Louis Sealey
Published December 9, 2025 10:25pm
Updated December 9, 2025 10:25pm
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Joe Cole speaking after Chelsea’s defeat to Atalanta (Picture: TNT Sports)
Joe Cole sent a clear transfer message to the Chelsea board after the club’s ‘really disappointing’ run of form continued with a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League.
Just a few weeks ago Enzo Maresca’s side were tipped as dark horses in the Premier League and Champions League after an impressive 3-0 win over La Liga champions Barcelona.
But Chelsea have failed to win four games in a row since thumping Barca, slipping to fifth in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the lead at Atalanta on Tuesday night but the hosts scored two second-half goals to clinch a 2-1 win.
The defeat leaves Chelsea 11th in the Champions League and they will almost certainly slip even further down the table after Wednesday’s European fixtures.
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Cole described Chelsea’s performance in Italy as ‘really disappointing’ and said it was further proof that his former club need to bolster Maresca’s squad with some experienced players.
Chelsea have spent a fortune since Todd Boehly took over the club in 2022but new signings have been mainly young, promising players rather than ready-made talent.
Atalanta came from behind to beat Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
‘It’s really disappointing,’ Cole told TNT Sports after Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Atalanta. ‘Chelsea matched them comfortably in the first half and took the lead.
‘But they looked shaky after that and the frailties are clearly there. It’s frustrating.
‘The performances against Barcelona and Chelsea were statements but they’ve followed that up with three below-par performances where the standards haven’t been there.
Enzo Maresca after Chelsea’s defeat in Italy (Picture: Getty)
‘I just keep coming back to it, I feel like there needs to be a bit more experience in the squad to help the team get through these tricky games.
‘The coaches would have told them what to expect tonight and at Elland Road but there’s something about having an experienced player in your team to get you through.
‘Chelsea are just not quite there yet. There’s promise and some great performances but then there’s performances like tonight which drop off.
Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead (Picture: Getty)
‘It makes this weekend very, very important because that’s four games without a win now. The Everton game is must-win.’
Another former Chelsea star, Steve Sidwell, added: ‘The first half was even but they Chelsea looked disjointed in the second half and maybe that’s because of the changes made.
‘They looked a few yards off it and if you give time and space to players of this quality then you’re going to get punished.’
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Chelsea’s hopes of automatic qualification in the Champions League are in the balance after a disappointing result in Italy.
Maresca’s side play host to Pafos in their next European game on January 21 before visiting Serie A champions Napoli the following week.
Rating Chelsea’s chances ahead of their final two games, Cole added: ‘You would expect them to beat Pafos at home and then it sets up an amazing tie at Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
‘There will be jeopardy in that game. You don’t have to finish in the top-eight but you want to avoid those extra games because the Premier League is unforgiving.’
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