Liverpool manager Arne Slot has tipped Chelsea as title contenders, having also said he expected the west Londoners to beat his side to the Premier League trophy last season. Chelsea finished fourth last term, 15 points behind champions Liverpool, and Maresca was adamant he had no interest in any so-called 'mind games' from rival managers.

"We are trying to find a solution internally, but the club knows exactly what I think and we will see what happens," Maresca said on Friday.

Enzo Maresca wants Chelsea to sign a new central defender to replace the injured Levi Colwill - but the club continues to seek an "internal solution".