Chelsea's weakness was once again exposed in the loss to Atalanta. And they need to be tougher if they don't want to extend their 4-match winless streak.
All hopes of competing for the Premier League title may disappear if Enzo Maresca's youth team fails to show the necessary courage. The painful defeat to Leeds was a wake-up call, but they seemed unable to learn any lessons from repeating similar mistakes in the Champions League match.
In 44 Champions League games, Chelsea have never lost after scoring the opening goal. This defeat was also the first time since 2005 that they were defeated away from home despite taking the lead at half-time.
Atalanta has pressured and continuously harassed Chelsea - which is completely not surprising. It is not only the familiar style of Serie A at home, but as a compatriot and also a friend of coach Raffaele Palladino, Maresca must clearly understand what awaits him.
5 changes compared to the draw with Bournemouth last weekend have not been effective. Some come from injuries or need to rotate, others do not. rotating the force is necessary during the busy schedule, but at this time, it is counterproductive more than giving the Blues an advantage, especially in defense.
Maresca has defended his decision to change his squad. He explained: "If you look at the year as a change compared to the match against Bournemouth, it's true that there is a difference. But we still keep eight, nine players who have played against Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham and Wolves. The players on the field today are all regulars in most other matches."
Chelsea's defensive rhythm was further disrupted when Trevoh Chalobah was withdrawn early in the second half to make way for Wesley Fofana - who had to leave the pitch due to injury. "It was a pre-planned decision, as Trev will have to play in every game," Maresca said. In addition, he received a yellow card".
Both of Chelsea's goals came from individual errors. In the first goal, Gianluca Scamacca escaped down too easily to make a header. In the other table, Marc Cucurella - worried about Davide Zappacosta's overlapping run - took the initiative to back down, waiting for Benoit Badiashile to support. However, it was that hesitation that created conditions for Charles De Ketelaere to freely shoot to score.
"I often pass the ball to the full-back when I see the full-back approaching. But they kept coming back, so I decided to shoot" - De Ketelaere shared.
Chelsea's most outstanding player is Josh Acheampong (19 years old) when he had a series of excellent tackles and saves. Maresca admitted he regrets not bringing the teenager onto the pitch against Leeds, but was certainly pleased with the way Acheampong has fared in Italy. He has exactly the attitude and determination that Chelsea are lacking.
Chelsea's decline has become worrying since discussions about the ability to compete for the championship appeared after a brave draw against Arsenal and a resounding victory over Barcelona.
They let Leeds defeat them too easily - a Leeds team that learned from the match against Manchester City and took full advantage of Chelsea's weaknesses. Bournemouth, despite struggling to regain their form, are never really at risk of losing to The Blues.
Maresca's side are gradually returning to their true nature - a young, talented but inexperienced side. His ability to manage the game and his fighting spirit clearly need to be improved.
