Enzo Maresca is optimistic that his Chelsea side can reduce the distance between themselves and Liverpool in the coming season, as they get ready to host the newly crowned Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea trailed Liverpool by just two points in mid-December, a couple of months after giving them a tough contest in a 2-1 loss at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot remarked that he believed “the visitors were the better team that day.”
Although Chelsea now sit 22 points behind the champions in fifth place, they remain determined to secure a top-five finish, which would earn them a spot in the Champions League.
“I think the gap (to Liverpool) is there, you can see it clearly,” said Maresca, whose side have come out victorious in five of their last eight Premier League games.
“My feeling is that we are in the right direction and hopefully this gap can be closed. The difference has been probably that they have been consistent compared to us.
“Also in terms of experience, players that know how to win games, I think they have something more compared to us.”
Maresca was asked whether he might follow Liverpool’s example, who brought in seasoned players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson in 2018, key additions that fueled their Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
“If you want to close the gap with this kind of club, for sure (you need experience),” said the Italian.
“Our team next season will be better in terms of experience, because this year has been one more year together.
“For sure the ones that are growing like Levi (Colwill) for instance, growing a lot in terms of leadership, next year will be better and better.”
Chelsea, who have a strong lead in the UEFA Conference League semi-final after a 4-1 first-leg win over Djurgarden, will pay tribute to the champions with a guard of honour before kickoff on Sunday.
“I don’t think we need that to understand how good it is to win the Premier League,” he said. “We know that it’s something very nice.
“But for sure when you are there, probably in their mind (the players) are thinking ‘I would like one day to be there’.”
What you should know
Enzo Maresca remains hopeful that Chelsea will become more competitive next season, crediting improved experience and team development as key factors. The club is aiming for Champions League qualification and is determined to catch up to top-tier sides like Liverpool.
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