Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted his disappointment after the Blues’ Champions League campaign took another hit with a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, extending the Blues’ winless run to four matches in all competitions.
Maresca’s men looked on course for a much-needed victory when Joao Pedro’s first-half strike put them ahead, but Atalanta turned the tide after the break, with Charles De Ketelaere providing an assist and then scoring the winner to complete the comeback.
The result deepened Chelsea’s struggles on the road in Europe, marking a fifth consecutive away game without a Champions League win, their longest such run since 2012. Maresca also became just the third Blues manager to fail to win any of his first three away fixtures in the competition.
Reflecting on their recent dip in form, especially after a six-game unbeaten spell, Maresca admitted his concern. He stressed that his team “have to do better” if they are to get their season back on track.
“First half, we were controlling the game,” Maresca said in a post-match interview.
“After the goal we conceded first one, we lost a bit of the control of the game. We’re playing every two days, and we probably look like we struggle a bit.
“We just want to win as soon as possible. We tried to be aggressive. When we conceded 1-1, probably the dynamic of the game changed a bit.
“I am always worried. Two points in four games is not what we expect, and we have to do better.
“We are disappointed because we came here to win. We started well, scored first, and we gave chances to the other team. They are a difficult team.
“We need to go back to England to learn and be ready for the next game. We’re disappointed, but we have to be focused on the next game.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
