Maresca addresses Hato’s poor defensive performance as Chelsea draw Qarabag | OneFootball

Chelsea stumbled in the UEFA Champions League, drawing 2-2 with Qarabag. The Blues lacked cutting edge in the final third and made too many mistakes at the back.

Chelsea started well with Estevao Willian netting his second Champions League goal in as many starts for the West London giants.

However, the Blues soon began to crumble and allow the Azerbaijani side back into the game.

Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato was a major culprit, having defended poorly for the opener and conceding the penalty that led to the goal, which turned the game on its head.

The Dutchman was given the chance in his natural centre-back position and showed why his former managers had jaunted him to left-back.

Football London gave him a 3/10 rating and rightly said he was “far too weak”.

Chelsea manager said Enzo Maresca addressed the Hato’s performance, saying (via Football London), “I think Jorrel, like the team, started very good.

“We were winning the game, we were in control.

“Then we started to make some mistakes that we need to improve and we need to avoid, and for sure in the future we’re going to avoid that.”

Hato is sometimes guilty of being too aggressive, and opponents can capitalise on his tendency always to try to be the antagonist.

His eagerness to impose himself can leave gaps that more experienced attackers exploit.

It would be better for him to continue playing at left-back, where his mistakes can be mitigated by extra defensive support and reduced direct exposure to central duels.

However, these errors are part of his learning curve. With more minutes under Maresca, Hato will mature, iron out his rash tendencies, and sharpen his decision-making.

The Chelsea ace still boasts the athleticism and technical ability to become an adept deputy for Marc Cucurella at left-back, while also offering valuable cover at centre-back.