Enzo Maresca relishes closing gap between Chelsea & Liverpool

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes his young Chelsea side can close the gap between Chelsea and a much-experienced Liverpool side next summer.

Maresca is confident of his youthful squad to close the gap to crowned Premier League Champions Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s side 22 points ahead of Chelsea going into the weekend clash.

The Blues are still in contention to qualify for Champions League football, with just four games to finish the campaign.

Maresca has made things rather difficult for themselves mid-season with costly home defeats to Brighton and Fulham, as well as painful draws against Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth.

However, Chelsea seems to have turned a corner of late, but their character will be tested once again as they face a crunch meeting with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Maresca’s side will be looking to build on the momentum that has translated into wins in five of their last eight in the league.

The Italian manager, however, reveals the importance of adding experienced players who can bring instant stability to his team going into next season.

The 45-year-old boss then shows admiration for the Reds’ smart move to revamp their squad with experienced pair Virgil van Dijk and Alisson in 2018.

In his view, the move played a big role in their subsequent Champions League and Premier League triumphs, citing it as an example he would look to emulate.

“If you want to close the gap with this kind of club, for sure (you need experience),” he said.

“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.

“Hopefully the ones that we have, they can grow and can help us in terms of experience.”

The Blues face Arne Slot’s side in their best shape in months, and the former Leicester is of high hopes going into the weekend fixture as he sees his side moving in the right direction.

“I think the gap (to Liverpool) is there, you can see it clearly,” said Maresca. “My feeling is that we are in the right direction and hopefully this gap can be closed.”