On August 15, 2025, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca responded coolly to Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s claim that Chelsea were favorites to win the 2024-25 Premier League title, dismissing the praise as “games” he refuses to play. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s match against Crystal Palace, Maresca said, “I don’t pay attention to what other people say about us. Also because it’s easy to say that more clubs are involved. I don’t like to play this kind of game.” His measured response, reported by Tribuna and Metro, has sparked buzz on X, with fans praising his focus amid high expectations.

Slot’s comments came after Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea in October 2024, where he suggested Chelsea’s squad strength made them title contenders, per Goal. Maresca, however, sidestepped the hype, emphasizing his focus on improving his players daily rather than engaging in media speculation. “I like to be focused on players, try to improve, and then they can say what they want,” he added, per Daily Mirror. His pragmatic approach reflects Chelsea’s strong 2024-25 season, securing Champions League qualification and the UEFA Conference League title, as noted by Football Addict.

The Italian’s comments highlight his no-nonsense style, honed during his time at Leicester City, where he won the Championship in 2023-24. Chelsea’s current third-place standing, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, per MSN, underscores their progress under Maresca, despite injuries to key defenders like Levi Colwill. Fans on X lauded his stance, with @CFCFanatic tweeting, “Enzo’s keeping it real—focus on the pitch!” Others, like @LFCVoice, saw it as a subtle jab, posting, “Maresca’s dodging Slot’s mind games.”

Maresca’s refusal to engage contrasts with Slot’s bold claim, which some interpret as an attempt to heap pressure on Chelsea. “It’s easy to say more clubs are involved,” Maresca noted, suggesting Slot’s remarks deflect attention from Liverpool’s own title chase. The Dutchman’s success, winning the Premier League in his first season, adds weight to his words, but Maresca’s focus remains internal, with a squad bolstered by new signings like Pedro Neto, per The Standard.

As Chelsea prepare for Palace, Maresca’s grounded approach keeps the team steady. His dismissal of Slot’s praise, coupled with his commitment to daily progress, signals a manager uninterested in hype. Whether this fuels Chelsea’s title push or proves Slot right, the football world is watching closely.