Enzo Maresca hits out at Arne Slot's 'mind games' ahead of new Premier League season

Chelsea will be hoping to win the title this season.

Arne Slot has told Chelsea will pose a serious danger to Liverpool’s title aspirations this season. However, Enzo Maresca has downplayed his comments, accusing him of playing mind games.

The Reds will hope to defend the Premier League title this season, but certainly they are going to face plenty of tests in the new season, as the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal will be eyeing the championship.

Hence, Slot has already warned his side that they will have to be more than prepared for the new season. The club have splurged around £300 million ($407m) in the summer transfer window to reinforce the squad.

However, the Dutch coach believes that the West Londoners will be real serious contenders due to their depth and will be hoping to threaten the Reds’ Premier League title defence.

Arne Slot believes Chelsea will be one of the contenders for the title this season

During an interview with talkSPORT, Slot didn’t mince his words:

“Squad depth, quality, they have a very good manager as well, and I think they’ve (Chelsea) shown this by winning the trophies they won last season. It was good for us that they also had a period last season where they struggled and that’s why they couldn’t compete till the end for the league title.

“But now they’re strengthening the team again, so a team that’s, in my opinion, one of the ones that are going to challenge for a league title.”

Enzo Maresca calls out Slot for playing mind games

However, Maresca was quick to dismiss his comments and called him out for playing mind games. His reply was cool, clipped, and utterly dismissive.

“I don’t pay attention to what other people say about us,” Maresca shot back. “It’s easy to say more clubs are involved – I’m not into that game. My focus is on the players, on improving, and people can say whatever they want.”

Chelsea are no longer outsiders in the upcoming season’s title race. They might not be the favourites, but they certainly will be in the race as they have demonstrated in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 win, showing they are ready to challenge for all the silverware.

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