Predicted XI: Enzo Maresca faces big questions in one position for Atalanta game

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's manager, has faced significant criticism following a disastrous second half in a recent match, leading to calls from fans for accountability on platforms like YouTube. This downturn in performance has raised concerns about the team's direction and management strategies.

Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League, despite the absence of star forward Mohamed Salah, who has been embroiled in controversy regarding his future at the club. Chelsea faced a setback, losing to Atalanta, while Barcelona managed to defeat Eintracht Frankfurt, marking a mixed night for European football's elite.

Jules Koundé's two headers propelled Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, marking a crucial win for the Catalan club after previous setbacks against Chelsea and Club Brugge. This victory places Barcelona in a competitive position, tied on points with several teams as they aim for a top-eight finish to secure a spot in the knockout stage.

Chelsea's hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the Champions League were severely impacted by a late defeat to Atalanta, where Charles De Ketelaere scored a decisive goal. This loss highlighted Chelsea's ongoing struggle with consistency and resilience, particularly in high-stakes matches.

Everton ended Chelsea's remarkable unbeaten streak in the Women's Super League (WSL) with a 1-0 victory at Kingsmeadow, thanks to a decisive goal from Honoka Hayashi. This defeat marks Chelsea's first league loss since May 2024 and Sonia Bompastor's first as manager after an impressive tenure. The match was discussed in the Women’s Football Weekly podcast featuring Faye Carruthers, Suzy Wrack, Marva Kreel, and Rich Laverty.

Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick has expressed optimism about the team's recent performance, highlighting a sense of unity as they reclaim the top position in La Liga despite a setback against Chelsea in the Champions League. Flick's comments reflect a positive outlook as the team aims to build on their league success.

Chelsea is currently facing a challenging period with injuries affecting key players like Liam Delap and Romeo Lavia, as manager Enzo Mares navigates a crucial winter fixture schedule. The latest injury updates indicate a mixed outlook for the squad's depth and performance.

Alejandro Garnacho expressed satisfaction with his decision to leave Manchester United for Chelsea, stating it was a straightforward choice to take a step forward in his career. He has been working on building his confidence under manager Enzo Maresca after a challenging period at United, where his relationship with coach Ruben Amorim deteriorated, leading to his exclusion from the squad during pre-season.