Roles will be reversed on Sunday.
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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that his side will give newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool a guard of honour ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Liverpool secured their 20th English top-flight title last weekend, equalling Manchester United’s record, after pulling 15 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with four games to spare.
Despite no rule requiring clubs to mark the occasion, Maresca believes it’s a tradition worth preserving.
“They won the league — they deserve that,” said Maresca. “Hopefully one day, we’ll be in their position. It’s a reminder to our players of what we’re aiming for.”
This gesture echoes the one given to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in 2023 and reflects a growing culture of sportsmanship among Premier League sides.
During Liverpool’s 2020 title win, celebrations were muted due to COVID-19 restrictions, and traditional post-match handshakes were barred.
That won’t be the case this time around.
While Chelsea are still fighting for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, Maresca doesn’t expect Liverpool to take things lightly, despite having the title wrapped up.
“They’ve been more consistent than us — that’s the difference,” he said. “But we’re heading in the right direction.”
