Maresca Insists: We Are Not Ready for the Title Race!

Chelsea secured a 2-1 win against Brentford, with goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson bringing them within two points of leaders Liverpool, albeit having played one more game. Bryan Mbeumo scored a consolation goal for the visitors, but the Blues held on to claim all three points.

After the final whistle, Marc Cucurella received a second yellow card for allegedly pushing Kevin Schade. Enzo Maresca addressed his team's performance in the post-match press conference.

Title Race?
"It doesn't matter how many games we win; I believe we are not ready to compete for the title. One reason is that title-contending teams know how to manage games; they don't concede goals like we do. Today's goal came from our own throw-in. That's why I don't think we're ready for the title race. We can't concede goals like this, open up the game, and give opponents chances."

Cucurella's Red Card?
"When the final whistle blew, I was celebrating, so I didn't see what happened."

Disciplinary Issues at Chelsea?
"No, as I've said many times, we can improve in many areas, including how we manage certain moments. This is probably one aspect we can get better at."

Injuries?
"We had Joao and Romeo, who will probably be available for the next game. Carney was ill, Chilly was ill, Pedro was suspended. Reece and Wes are injured. Badiashile and Mudryk as well."

Why Isn't Chelsea in the Title Race?
"The goal we conceded is something we need to manage better. Also, at the end of the game, after it was over, our behavior wasn't appropriate. We can handle those moments differently."

Fans' Title Dreams?
"Fans can talk about the title and dream about it, absolutely. If you ask me, I'll tell you what I think: in my opinion, we're not ready. But I'm happy for the fans to dream."