Chelsea suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League on March 5, 2024. Despite the loss, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, highlighted the performance of Josh Acheampong as one of the few positives from the match. The 19-year-old defender made his debut start in the Champions League and demonstrated his versatility by playing in the right-back position.
Acheampong’s ability to adapt allowed Chelsea to deploy Reece James and later Malo Gusto in midfield roles. The young talent’s contributions were critical as Chelsea struggled defensively, conceding both goals in the second half. This match marked Chelsea’s second loss in the Champions League this season, a result that raises concerns for the team’s prospects moving forward.
Maresca praised Acheampong’s efforts, stating, “He was good. Josh was good. When he plays, he’s always doing the right things. We’re quite happy for him.” The coach’s endorsement reflects the potential that Acheampong brings to the squad, especially as Chelsea looks to regroup for future matches.
In addition to Maresca’s comments, Trevoh Chalobah, who often plays a similar role, commended Acheampong’s performance. “He did really well,” Chalobah noted. “Obviously, he hasn’t played for a while, and stepped in really well.” Acheampong made seven defensive contributions during the game, including one tackle, two blocks, and three interceptions, demonstrating his readiness for increased responsibilities.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, the match also saw Wesley Fofana leave the field after just 30 minutes due to an eye injury. His potential absence could open the door for Acheampong to continue playing a larger role in the team’s upcoming fixtures.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will need to focus on their Premier League campaign as they prepare to host Everton at Stamford Bridge on March 9, 2024. The team aims to bounce back from their recent setbacks and capitalize on the growing talent within their ranks, particularly with players like Acheampong emerging as key contributors.