Maresca Confirms Chelsea’s Mission: ‘We’re Here to Compete for Titles, Not Just Survive’

Chelsea are in urgent need of reversing their dismal form and reigniting their Premier League top-four aspirations, according to manager Enzo Maresca (45) ahead of their upcoming match against Aston Villa this weekend.

Maresca’s team currently sits in sixth place, just a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City, having managed only two wins from their last nine encounters.

“We need to feel discontent because the results have not been satisfactory. Everyone understands that we’re part of a club that doesn’t aim merely to get by but to compete for titles,” he declared to the press.

“These are the same players who were in the top four for 19 or 20 matches, predominantly holding second place for much of the season.

“I’m confident that after this period, they will emerge as better players and professionals.”

Chelsea suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion last week and haven’t claimed an away victory in the league since their thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur on 8 December.

Maresca stated that the ambition still remains to finish within the top four.

“For most of the season, we’ve been in the top four, and with 13 matches left, our objective is undoubtedly to secure a top-four position,” he remarked. “We will do everything in our power to achieve that.”

“My role is to win matches and ensure this club is battling for titles. The issue arises when victories elude us; it then appears as though we lack ambition.”

The manager acknowledged that injuries have played a significant role in their recent struggles, with players like Nicolas Jackson, Chukwunonso Madueke, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana unavailable for Saturday’s fixture against Villa.

On a positive note, defender Malo Gusto is fit and ready to return after recovering from an injury sustained against Brighton.