Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea are not yet equipped to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title, despite their strong start to the season.
Currently fourth in the table and leading the division with 15 goals, the Blues have won four of their six league matches under the Italian manager.
Cole Palmer, who scored four goals in the first half against Brighton last week, is among the top performers in the Premier League.
Maresca highlighted Chelsea’s impressive squad depth by fielding an entirely different starting XI in Thursday’s 4-2 Europa Conference League victory over Gent.
However, just three months into his tenure, the former Leicester manager downplayed suggestions that Chelsea could contend with the top two for their first league title since 2017.
“I really don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal,” he said. “I really think that, because we are not ready.
“The reason why is that City are working with the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five years. It’s something that if you want to compete for important things, you need that time.”
Chelsea host Nottingham Forest on Sunday seeking their fourth league win in a row.
The mood around the club has been transformed since Forest’s last visit to Stamford Bridge a year ago when they won 1-0 during a poor run for Chelsea, who ultimately finished sixth after a strong finish.
Chelsea have spent lavishly over the past two years, compiling a huge squad with mixed results, but there are signs they may have turned a corner at last.
“When you win games it always creates energy, trust, confidence,” said Maresca. “It’s helping the process.
“But the players are the first to recognise when the team plays well or not. The results are helping but they are convinced because they can see clearly the purpose and identity we have.”