Enzo Maresca Blames Club World Cup For Chelsea’s Slip In Baku, Haaland Sets New Champions League Record

06 Nov 2025, 10:14 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that the team’s busy schedule, especially their recent FIFA Club World Cup campaign, took a toll on his players following Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw against Qarabag FK in the Champions League.

Speaking to reporters after the match in Baku, Enzo Maresca explained that he had little choice but to rotate his squad due to exhaustion from the summer tournament.

“The Club World Cup affected us a lot,” he said. “We had to make a rotation today. The intention was to rest Caicedo, Enzo, Gusto and more players.”

Chelsea started brightly when 17-year-old Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian fired them ahead in the 16th minute. But the home side responded with goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic before halftime.

The Blues eventually rescued a point in the second half through Alejandro Garnacho, who levelled the score with a composed finish.

The result leaves Maresca’s side needing to bounce back quickly as they prepare for their Premier League clash with Wolves this weekend. Chelsea remain the reigning Club World Cup champions, having lifted the trophy earlier this year, but their packed fixture list appears to be testing the squad’s depth.

Meanwhile, in Manchester, Erling Haaland continued his breathtaking scoring form, helping City to a 4-1 win over his former club Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium.

The Norwegian striker’s goal, along with a brace from Phil Foden and another from Rayan Cherki, took his tally to 27 goals this season in just 17 matches for club and country.

Haaland also made Champions League history by becoming the first player to score in five consecutive matches for three different clubs: Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg.

City teammate Jeremy Doku was full of praise for Haaland after the game. “In terms of numbers, Erling is unbelievable,” Doku told TNT Sports. “Even tonight he scored one goal, but he’s so much more than just goals and assists. He provides that for us; he is so important to us.”

Haaland is now just one goal behind Nigerian and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in this season’s Champions League top scorers’ chart.