“Stupid and Embarrassing”: Maresca Slams Delap After Red Card in 4-3 Win

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed his frustration after Liam Delap received a “stupid” and “embarrassing” red card during Wednesday’s 4-3 League Cup fourth-round win over Wolves. Delap, returning from a lengthy hamstring injury, was sent off after collecting two yellow cards in just seven minutes, threatening to overshadow Chelsea’s hard-fought victory.

The first booking came when Delap wrestled Yerson Mosquera to the ground. The second came moments later following a reckless aerial challenge on Emmanuel Agbadou. His dismissal means Delap will now miss Saturday’s crucial London derby against Tottenham. Chelsea have now seen six red cards in nine matches this season, highlighting disciplinary issues under Maresca.

Speaking after the match, Maresca did not hold back. “For today we have a very stupid red card. That was completely unnecessary,” he said. “It is embarrassing, two yellow cards in seven minutes. Both we could have avoided. After the first yellow, I told him four or five times to keep calm. But he struggled to realise and listen around him on the pitch.” Maresca stressed that some previous red cards were understandable but Delap’s was avoidable.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea managed to secure a dramatic win. Goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao gave the Blues a 3-0 lead at halftime. Wolves responded in the second half, with Tolu Arokodare and David Wolfe reducing the deficit. Jamie Gittens’ 90th-minute strike appeared to seal the victory but Wolfe struck again, keeping the pressure on Chelsea until the final whistle. The win sends Chelsea into the quarter-finals, where they will face third-tier Cardiff away.

Maresca praised the team’s resilience but warned against repeating such mistakes. He emphasized the importance of discipline, particularly with key league and cup matches ahead. Chelsea must regroup quickly to maintain momentum and ensure their squad remains competitive across multiple competitions. Delap’s red card serves as a reminder that composure on the pitch remains crucial, especially for players returning from long-term injuries.