Chelsea’s Champions League dreams are hanging by a thread, and Enzo Maresca’s excuses aren’t helping. Imagine this: a team with over £1 billion invested, a squad brimming with talent, and yet they’re teetering on the edge of playoff purgatory. But here’s where it gets controversial—Maresca’s post-match justification for their collapse against Atalanta has left fans and pundits scratching their heads. Let’s break it down.
On Tuesday night, Chelsea’s Champions League campaign took a nosedive. After briefly sitting third in their group, they plummeted to 11th place, leaving their fate in the hands of a must-win clash against Napoli. This isn’t just a blip; it’s a pattern. For the second consecutive season, Chelsea are self-sabotaging their title aspirations with a string of woeful results just when they should be peaking. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the losses; it’s about the timing and the excuses.
The defeat to Atalanta wasn’t just another loss; it was a stark reminder of Chelsea’s away-day woes in the 2025/26 Champions League. With defeats to Bayern and Atalanta, and a draw against Qarabag, their away record is abysmal. Sure, their home form has been stellar—thrashing Ajax and Barcelona, and edging past Benfica—but that’s not enough to mask their travel sickness. The Blues should have secured a top-eight finish by now, but instead, they’re clinging to a playoff spot, hoping to avoid further embarrassment.
Here’s the kicker: Chelsea’s fixtures haven’t been particularly daunting. Atalanta are a solid side, but a team with title aspirations should be winning those must-win games. Qarabag away? That should’ve been an easy three points. Bayern away is a tough ask, but Napoli? That’s now a do-or-die fixture for Maresca’s men. But here’s where it gets controversial—Maresca’s excuse for their struggles? The team is playing “every two days.” Really? Arsenal and Manchester City are managing just fine, and they’re not exactly slacking off.
Chelsea’s winter slump is becoming an annual tradition, and it’s not a pretty one. This isn’t about running out of steam in April or falling to a superior Manchester City side. It’s December, and the wheels are coming off—again. This raises serious questions about Maresca’s suitability for such a high-pressure role, despite the club’s massive financial backing.
Maresca has a mountain to climb, with tough fixtures ahead. Everton at home? Suddenly looking tricky. Cardiff City away in the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United at St James’ Park, and back-to-back home games against Aston Villa and Bournemouth—all before 2026. It’s not just the results that are worrying; Maresca’s in-game management has been questionable. Losing a lead in a crucial Champions League tie? That’s a red flag.
Chelsea’s post-Arsenal slump is baffling. That 1-1 draw against the Premier League leaders felt like a statement, but now it looks like false hope. Instead of challenging for the title, they’re scrapping for a top-five finish. Maresca needs to step up—better game management, better preparation. After the 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, he claimed his players lost control after the equalizer. But isn’t it the manager’s job to regain that control?
Maresca’s post-match comments were particularly eyebrow-raising. He repeatedly cited the team’s busy schedule, playing “every two days,” as a reason for their struggles. But let’s be honest—Chelsea’s squad depth is enviable, and they’re not the only team facing a packed calendar. This excuse doesn’t hold water, especially when you consider the investment in the squad.
So, here’s the question: Is Maresca the right man for the job, or is he out of his depth? Everton, riding high after a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, could pile on the misery this weekend. A loss would see the Toffees leapfrog Chelsea in the Premier League table—a humiliating prospect. Maresca has until Saturday to turn things around. Can he do it, or is this the beginning of the end?
What do you think? Is Maresca’s excuse valid, or is he deflecting blame? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
