Why Juventus, Chelsea, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are losing shape in the 2022-23 season

By
Jehan Mucadum
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Football teams lost in 2022: The first international break of the season is currently underway with all national teams preparing for a last push.

While some teams began the season on expected terms, other top sides haven’t gotten off to the start required in terms of a title challenge.

The likes of Manchester City, PSG, Real Madrid remain unbeaten in their respective leagues whereas Juventus, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid to name a few are struggling.

It is imperative to understand why such quality laden teams haven’t taken off in the manner expected.

Today we analyze reasons for why 4 top football teams in 2022 like Juventus, Chelsea, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid have struggled.

Juventus

Massimiliano Allegri Juventus 2020-21

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The Bienconeri is in 8th place with 10 points to their name in the Serie A table. Juventus has managed just 2 wins from their 7 matches played this season.

Allegri’s side recently lost to newly promoted Monza on the weekend, which dropped Juventus to a new low.

The Serie A side already have a number of players ruled out due to injury in Chiesa, Pogba, Jorge, Rabiot and Sandro.

These are quality players who would draft straight into the 11 if available and hence, their absence is hurting Allegri and Co.

Juventus last won the Scudetto in 2019-20 and have since managed 4th place finishes in consecutive seasons.

Coupled with injury issues, Allegri’s side lack the rhythm and tempo to infuse quick play and create opportunities.

The Allianz Stadium has gotten quiet with each game passing as there isn’t much in terms of creativity from the center of the park.

Juventus hasn’t won a single match since 1st September in the league, leaving them desperate for crucial points and return to form.

Chelsea

ImageThe Blues are in 7th place on the EPL table with 10 points from 6 matches, which includes just 3 wins.

Such has been the story of Chelsea in the new season and this erratic start proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Tuchel, as he faced the sack.

In an unbelievable turn of events, Thomas Tuchel was removed as manager with Graham Potter taking his place.

The Blues won 2 of their last 5 matches across competitions; both being in the league but by slender margins.

A shock loss to Zagreb in the UCL group stage saw Tuchel axed from his job.

Chelsea went into this season without a solid number 9, who could deliver the goals in front of goal and have been hurt by the same.

Kanté’s injury has also been a huge void to fill for Chelsea as he was their engine man; who could help in smoothening and controlling the play.

Despite all this, it has been Chelsea’s inconsistencies and lack of enthusiasm at the start of the season, which has let them down majorly.

Liverpool

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Last season’s runners-up did not begin the season as expected as Liverpool drew their opening 2 matches of the Premier League.

A 2-1 loss to under-pressured, Manchester United ensured their worst start to the season as Liverpool ended three matchdays without a victory.

Currently, the Reds sit 8th in the table with 9 points and are far from convincing. A major reason for this and can be the absence of a driving goal-scorer like Mané.

The Senegalese joined Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window and Liverpool haven’t been able to replace the void left by him.

Nunez was expected to do the job but a red card on MD 2, saw him miss three straight league matches.

This reduced Liverpool’s creativity output coupled with the face that Salah, Diaz and Firmino haven’t got going this season.

Another draw last week in the Merseyside derby pushed Liverpool 9 points away from table toppers, Arsenal.

In EPL terms, this looks bleak for Liverpool in terms of a comeback as we have seen the history of the league.

Another team with erratic performances and poor mistakes in the backline has left them with an underwhelming start.

Atletico Madrid

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]Simeone’s men sit in 7th place on the La Liga table with 10 points from 6 matches.

They began the season with a positive win over Getafe, but lost to Villarreal on MD 2 and drew 1-1 against Sociedad on MD 4.

Atletico Madrid is a side that hold their defensive shape well and make it difficult for visiting sides to score against them.

In the 2022-23 season, Atletico has managed a sole win in three home matches. This is where the problems have begun.

They haven’t enjoyed a consistent run of results in the La Liga which leaves them outside the contending spots of the league.

They are 8 points off the top and are still in search of a winning combination.

Antoine Griezmann has also been ineffective having scored only twice in six matches; a majority of whom he has played off the bench.

The quickness in Atletico’s play is where they lack, whereby sluggishness and laziness has creeped into their play.

Diego Simeone’s men suffered recently when they went down to Real Madrid in the derby 2-1 at home.

This result has put pressure on Simeone; who now has two weeks off to prepare a blueprint to get his side back to contending at the top.


       

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