It is a packed schedule as 2025 turns to 2026. The Blues will compete in four different competitions, and should we win at Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup, we will guarantee an extra match in January in the shape of the semi-final first leg clash.

With the Blues also challenging towards the top of the Premier League and Champions League tables, expectations are naturally high at Stamford Bridge. Equally understandably, Maresca is reticent to make any bold claims about our aspirations until the next eight weeks have played out.

‘The teams that are able to be consistent in December and January will probably be the teams that are there in February and March for the title,’ said Maresca.

‘If in February or March we are in the same place as we are now, then we are going to be title contenders. But now we are in December, so for me it’s too early.

‘I remember last December, the first game we lost was against Fulham at home on the 26th, and after that we started dropping some points. It’s a complicated time for every team, and especially the ones that also have European competitions because you play every three days.’

The head coach explained there is simply one target when the games come around this quickly. It is what he and his coaching staff are working towards at Cobham.

‘The main focus is on trying to be consistent in the next two months,’ said Maresca.

‘From today on we have eight games in December. In January we have maybe eight games. They are the two most complicated [months]. If after that we are able to ‘survive’ and be there in February, March, for sure we are going to compete.’