Maresca Calls For More Discipline But Defends Players Over Red Cards

‎Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that Chelsea’s disciplinary record needs to improve.

‎However, the head coach insists he will not punish his players for receiving red cards. Chelsea will be without the suspended João Pedro when they face Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday.

‎The Blues were reduced to 10 men for the fourth time this season after Malo Gusto was sent off for a second yellow card late in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

‎Chelsea have collected 28 yellow cards across all competitions, a statistic that shows they are often making things harder for themselves.

‎They sit at the bottom of the Premier League’s fair play table, underlining their disciplinary struggles. Maresca, who recently served a touchline ban after being sent off against Liverpool, admitted that Malo Gusto’s late tackle and dismissal showed where his players must show greater control.

‎“It’s something that we can do better,” the Italian said.

‎“The last one is completely avoidable, because it’s 0-3, the game is finished. For sure there is something that we have to improve.”

‎Maresca added context, saying Gusto’s challenge stemmed from a desire to preserve a clean sheet. But accusations of naivety are not going away.

‎Chelsea have the youngest side in the Premier League and Maresca was asked whether he would try to stamp out bad habits by punishing his squad.

‎“I’m not that kind of manager to punish players,” he said.

‎“I don’t think it’s the right way to do things. I prefer to help them understand, and then do the right things.

‎”They are all different kinds of red cards, but if you concede four or five it’s something that we have to improve.

‎“I have four kids and when they do something wrong, I don’t punish them. I try to teach them to do the right things.

‎”I try to treat the players in the same way. I think the players have a system inside the changing room, so a fine is something that they manage.”

‎Maresca hopes Enzo Fernández will be available against Ajax after sitting out the Forest game with a knee injury. He said Liam Delap, out with a hamstring injury since August, was close to returning to training.

‎With Delap and João Pedro out, Marc Guiu could spearhead Chelsea’s attack, as the Blues arrive with one win and one defeat from their first two Champions League matches.