Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he is unsure whether his side can secure victories in their remaining two UEFA Champions League group matches as the Blues battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Chelsea’s struggles continued on Tuesday night after they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta in Italy, a result that further dented their chances of sealing automatic progression to the knockout round. The loss marked their second defeat in the competition this season.
Speaking after the match, the former Leicester City boss stressed that his team must win their final two group fixtures to have any realistic chance of breaking into the top eight.
Chelsea are scheduled to face Greek side Pafos and Italian champions Napoli in their remaining games.
“Yes, probably with two wins, probably with 16 points, you can be in the top eight,” Maresca told reporters after the defeat to Atalanta.
“Not sure about that, but now the focus has to be that first game.
“If we want to try to finish top eight, we need to win both.”
The London club will also shift attention back to domestic duties this weekend as they prepare for a Premier League clash against David Moyes’ Everton while they look to bounce back to winning ways.
Currently, Chelsea sit fifth on the Premier League table, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
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