Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions that his team is ready to challenge for the Premier League title, stating that the club is still in the process of building and isn’t yet prepared for a serious title bid.

The Blues currently sit fourth in the league standings, trailing behind Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal. While Chelsea has shown strong form with four wins, one draw, and a 2-0 loss to defending champions Manchester City, Maresca insists that his team requires more time to compete at the highest level.

“We can’t compete with Man City or Arsenal right now. We’re not ready,” said Maresca. “City has worked with Pep for nine years, Arsenal for five. We’ve only had three months. The goal is to get closer, slowly but surely,” football journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted Friday afternoon.

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Despite an impressive 67% win rate so far this season, Maresca’s cautious approach reflects his belief that Chelsea still needs time to develop consistency and reach the level of the league’s top contenders.

Key players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have been vital to the team’s success, with Palmer, 22, breaking records by scoring four goals in the first half during Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Jackson has also played a crucial role, contributing to the 10-goal tally the duo has produced this season.