Maresca hopeful Chelsea challenge will be stronger this season
London
Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea have a stronger squad than last season, but has stopped short of calling them title contenders.
The Blues started Maresca's first campaign in charge in fine form, only to tail off in the middle of the season and eventually finish fourth.
Having added more firepower to their squad this summer in the shape of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, some are tipping Chelsea to be in the Premier League title shake-up this time around.
Blues boss Maresca said: 'For sure we are better than last season.
For sure we are going to face that (tough) period better compared to last season.
'I said that when we started last season, we were very far from the ones that they are competing and they are dominating English football.
'Now we are more close and the next step is to be even more close and try to compete with them.'
Pressed on whether his side can compete with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City this season, the Italian added: '(We're) good enough to try to beat Crystal Palace, this is what I think.'
On Sunday the Blues host a Palace side buoyed by their penalty shoot-out win over Liverpool in last weekend's Community Shield.
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PA Media/dpa London Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea have a stronger squad than last season, but has stopped short of calling them title contenders. The Blues started Maresca's first campaign in charge in fine form, only to tail off in the middle of the season and eventually finish fourth. Having added more firepower to their squad this summer in the shape of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, some are tipping Chelsea to be in the Premier League title shake-up this time around. Blues boss Maresca said: 'For sure we are better than last season. For sure we are going to face that (tough) period better compared to last season. 'I said that when we started last season, we were very far from the ones that they are competing and they are dominating English football. 'Now we are more close and the next step is to be even more close and try to compete with them.' Pressed on whether his side can compete with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City this season, the Italian added: '(We're) good enough to try to beat Crystal Palace, this is what I think.' On Sunday the Blues host a Palace side buoyed by their penalty shoot-out win over Liverpool in last weekend's Community Shield.
