Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that Liverpool could be “impossible” to catch in this season’s Premier League title race. The champions have already established a strong cushion at the top of the table following a flawless start to their title defence, leaving rivals struggling to keep pace.
After a 2-2 draw at Brentford and a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, Chelsea now sit seven points behind the leaders. Liverpool, who stormed to the championship last season with four games to spare, have reinforced their squad heavily, spending more than £400 million this summer. Their record-breaking signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak underline their ambition to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Maresca admitted that his side, and indeed other challengers, face an uphill battle. “If Liverpool continue at this level, it will be almost impossible to stop them,” he noted. He praised their consistency and the quality of additions that have taken an already strong squad to another level.
Chelsea’s own form has been less convincing. The London club are without a win in three matches, having also suffered a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. Their focus now turns to the Carabao Cup, where they face League One side Lincoln in the third round. Despite the gulf between the teams, Maresca urged his players not to underestimate the opposition, warning that such games can be tricky if approached with complacency.
Adding to Chelsea’s concerns is the injury to Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old attacker limped off in the first half against Manchester United with a groin issue that has already limited his appearances this season. Maresca confirmed that the club will hold a medical meeting to decide the best course of action. While surgery is not currently expected, the situation requires careful management as Palmer’s recovery can vary from day to day.
The Chelsea boss emphasised the need to protect players given the packed schedule, highlighting Palmer as a key figure who must be handled with care. For the Carabao Cup clash, Maresca is set to rely on several academy players, balancing the need for progress with squad rotation.
Chelsea’s immediate priority is avoiding a potential upset against Lincoln, before shifting focus back to the Premier League, where they face Brighton on Saturday.
