Mariska: Chelsea’s Performance Exceeds Expectations

Chelsea sits second in the Premier League standings, but coach Enzo Mariska downplayed talks of title contention pressure, saying on Tuesday that he is focused on areas where his team can improve.

Chelsea has 35 points, four points behind leaders Liverpool, and will visit Fulham in a West London derby on Thursday.

Mariska’s side missed an opportunity to go top of the table, even temporarily, after a goalless draw against Everton last weekend, ending an eight-game winning streak across all competitions and five consecutive league wins.

Mariska told reporters: “The team has exceeded expectations in terms of how they play and the number of points they have. But for us, the main focus is on developing the players and the entire team. That’s the reality for me, not the pressure (of title contention). I would welcome this type of pressure. I say we’re not competing because that’s my reality. The key point is to keep improving and winning games.”

Chelsea is eight points ahead of struggling defending champions Manchester City. Despite City’s current seventh-place standing, Mariska believes Pep Guardiola’s side can still be contenders by the season’s end.

He added: “We’re halfway through, and the standings reflect the teams’ performances and positions. Liverpool has been exceptional from day one. I believe Manchester City will be contenders by the end of the season. They’re going through something unprecedented, facing a new injury after every match. It’s a very difficult situation.”

Chelsea will be without defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile for extended periods due to injuries.

Mariska confirmed that midfielder Romeo Lavia will also miss Thursday’s game as he continues recovering from a thigh injury. Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been suspended following a positive doping test, though he denies knowingly taking any banned substances.