Enzo Maresca’s excuses after defeat to Atalanta described as “batsh*t” by journalist | OneFootball

One journalist covering Chelsea’s defeat to Atalanta last night has described Enzo Maresca’s excuses as “batsh*t”.

The Blues took the lead in the first half after Joao Pedro arrived at the right moment to slot home a lovely cross from captain Reece James, and the fans would have believed then that Chelsea would go on and secure a comfortable win and all three points in the league phase of the UCL.

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Joe Cole was on the post-match analysis for TNT Sports last night as he always is for Chelsea’s UCL games being a former Blue. And once again he highlighted the glaringly obvious issue that this current Chelsea have, and that is a lack of experience within the ranks.

Enzo Maresca’s post-match analysis has bene labelled as batsh*t though….

Poor excuses

“First half we were controlling the game,” Maresca said after the game.

“After the goal we conceded, we lost a bit of control. We are playing every two days and we probably struggled a bit. We just want to win as soon as possible. We tried to be aggressive, and when we conceded 1-1, the dynamic of the game probably changed.”

Taking no responsibility

Enzo Maresca looks dejected on the touchline. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Journalist Jason Soutar of Football365 wrote in response to these comments:

“Chelsea’s title push fading during the busy winter period for the second year in a row is an ominous sign for the head coach. It’s not like they are running out of steam in April or falling victim to the Manchester City machine. But in December, the bottle is crashing. Again. It’s unacceptable and signals a manager not suited to such a big job despite significant transfer backing.

“Maresca needs to prove us wrong, but he has some very difficult fixtures standing in his way. Everton at home suddenly looks tricky. Then it’s Cardiff City away in the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United at St James’ Park, Aston Villa at home, and Bournemouth at home, all before 2026.

“It’s not just results that will put Maresca under pressure. His in-game management has been questionable at times, and losing from being 1-0 up in a crucial Champions League tie is another example.

“Maresca must manage games better and prepare more thoroughly. After the 2-1 defeat, he said his players lost control after Atalanta’s equaliser. Sure, his players could manage the game better, but if control is lost, it’s the manager’s job to restore it.

“Then came some questionable words from Maresca. He repeatedly emphasised that Chelsea are playing games “every two days,” suggesting that this is affecting his massive squad, which he unnecessarily rotated against Leeds last week and into which over £1 billion has been invested since summer 2022.

“That is a poor excuse. Chelsea aren’t playing any more games than Arsenal or Manchester City, and they don’t have the dreaded Thursday-Sunday schedule like Aston Villa or Crystal Palace. It’s just not the place to search for reasons why your team is struggling.”