Maurizio Sarri claims Liverpool are still "a step forward" than his Chelsea side in terms of the Premier League title race after Saturday's 1-1 draw.
The Blues boss watched as Eden Hazard's 25th-minute strike put the Londoners ahead against Jurgen Klopp's league leaders in the evening clash at Stamford Bridge.
However, they were denied the maximum points to go joint-top of the table with Manchester City when Daniel Sturridge scored a superb equaliser late on.
The first two places, as you know, for me, is going to be very difficult because Manchester City and Liverpool are a step forward on us.
Maurizio Sarri
And, while Sarri felt Chelsea were closer to Liverpool than he initially anticipated, the Italian believes they are not equal in terms of battling for the title this season.
He said: "I think they are a step forward but I think also that we are closer than I thought one week ago.
"The first two places, as you know, for me, is going to be very difficult because Manchester City and Liverpool are a step forward on us. So it is very difficult. But I think we can fight for the Champions League.
"I am disappointed because they scored in the last two minutes but in the end I am really very happy, first of all with the performance and I think also that the draw may be the right result. The match was wonderful."
Sarri also played down suggestions that Chelsea will be over-reliant on Hazard this season.
He added: "Of course, Hazard is the first but I think Pedro, Willian and [Alvaro] Morata will be able to score more than 10 goals in the season. Pedro [already] has three goals."
Chelsea are priced at 10/1 to win the Premier League, while Liverpool are available at 2/1 and Manchester City are 8/11 to retain their crown.
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Maurizio Sarri claims Liverpool are still "a step forward" than his Chelsea side in terms of the Premier League title race after Saturday's 1-1 draw.
The Blues boss watched as Eden Hazard's 25th-minute strike put the Londoners ahead against Jurgen Klopp's league leaders in the evening clash at Stamford Bridge.
However, they were denied the maximum points to go joint-top of the table with Manchester City when Daniel Sturridge scored a superb equaliser late on.
The first two places, as you know, for me, is going to be very difficult because Manchester City and Liverpool are a step forward on us.
Maurizio Sarri
And, while Sarri felt Chelsea were closer to Liverpool than he initially anticipated, the Italian believes they are not equal in terms of battling for the title this season.
He said: "I think they are a step forward but I think also that we are closer than I thought one week ago.
"The first two places, as you know, for me, is going to be very difficult because Manchester City and Liverpool are a step forward on us. So it is very difficult. But I think we can fight for the Champions League.
"I am disappointed because they scored in the last two minutes but in the end I am really very happy, first of all with the performance and I think also that the draw may be the right result. The match was wonderful."
Sarri also played down suggestions that Chelsea will be over-reliant on Hazard this season.
He added: "Of course, Hazard is the first but I think Pedro, Willian and [Alvaro] Morata will be able to score more than 10 goals in the season. Pedro [already] has three goals."
Chelsea are priced at 10/1 to win the Premier League, while Liverpool are available at 2/1 and Manchester City are 8/11 to retain their crown.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com