Enzo Maresca Reveals Why He Did Not Bring On Estevao Willian in Chelsea’s Costly Defeat to Atalanta
Enzo Maresca Reveals Why He Did Not Bring On Estevao Willian in Chelsea’s Costly Defeat to Atalanta
Chelsea’s frustrating night in Italy ended with more questions than answers, and Enzo Maresca will no doubt leave Bergamo with a heavy sense of regret. What looked like a manageable Champions League tie at half-time turned into a painful 2-1 defeat — a result that has put pressure on both the manager’s decisions and Chelsea’s fading hopes in Europe.
The second half told the full story. Chelsea looked flat, overwhelmed, and surprisingly passive as Atalanta took control. What followed was a series of substitutions that raised eyebrows, puzzled the fanbase, and sparked immediate debate across social media.
But the biggest talking point?
Why rising star Estevao Willian — one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe — never stepped foot on the pitch.
Maresca Explains the Decision — But Fans Still Not Convinced
Supporters were already frustrated by Trevoh Chalobah’s withdrawal at half-time and Wesley Fofana being forced off after taking a hit to the eye. Those changes could be understood — both players were struggling physically. But it was the decision that followed which truly baffled Chelsea fans.
With just over ten minutes left and the match level at 1–1, Maresca turned to Tosin Adarabioyo.
A centre-back.
In a game Chelsea desperately needed to win.
While Estevao Willian remained on the bench.
After the match, Maresca attempted to explain his thinking.
As reported by Football London, he said: “The change of Tosin was because we needed to change Wes. For sure, with one more change there would have been a chance for Estevao or Andrey to come on and potentially change the game.”
It was a calm answer — but one that didn’t sit well with the supporters who watched Chelsea finish the match with six defenders on the pitch while still needing a goal.
Chelsea fans felt the logic didn’t add up.
If the game was level…
If Chelsea needed attacking threat…
If Estevao was available…
Why bring on another defender?
A Pattern That Chelsea Fans Are Starting to Notice
Maresca’s substitutions have been a cause for concern during Chelsea’s recent winless run. His in-game management — once considered a strength — has become one of the loudest complaints from supporters.
This match only fuelled the fire.
Estevao, known for his pace, flair, and unpredictable movement, seemed the obvious option to break Atalanta’s growing control. Chelsea were pinned back, unable to progress the ball, and struggling to create danger in the final third.
But with one substitution left, Maresca held back.
The opportunity was there: throw on the teenager and go for the win.
Instead, Chelsea retreated, Atalanta pushed forward, and the Italian side eventually scored a late winner that felt entirely predictable.
A Record Broken — and Not the Good Kind
As if the defeat wasn’t painful enough, the match also saw Chelsea lose a statistic they had proudly held for more than a decade.
The Blues were unbeaten in 41 games when leading at half-time — a record stretching back to 2013. But Atalanta tore that streak apart with a ruthless second-half performance.
Chelsea went from in control… to chasing shadows.
From favourites… to frustrated observers.
And from organised… to looking like a team out of ideas.
It’s a result that will sting for days — and one that invites more scrutiny on the decisions made from the bench.
Was Estevao the Missing Piece?
Enzo Maresca Reveals Why He Did Not Bring On Estevao Willian in Chelsea’s Costly Defeat to Atalanta
While no single player can guarantee a different outcome, it’s hard not to wonder what Estevao Willian might have offered.
