Enzo Maresca launched a furious rant at one of his own players despite Chelsea’s victory over Wolves in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea Edge Wolves 4–3 in Carabao Cup Thriller but Maresca Slams Delap After Red Card
Chelsea booked their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup after a dramatic 4–3 victory over Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
The Blues stormed into a three-goal lead before half-time, but Vítor Pereira’s side fought back strongly in the second half, forcing Chelsea to dig deep until Jamie Gittens restored a two-goal cushion with his team’s fourth.
Manager Enzo Maresca used the cup tie to rotate his squad, handing opportunities to several fringe players including Filip Jorgensen, Jorrel Hato, and Tyrique George — all of whom made positive contributions, with George getting on the scoresheet.
Liam Delap also featured, making his return from a hamstring injury. The forward came on in the 61st minute but was sent off just 25 minutes later after receiving two yellow cards, leaving Chelsea to finish the match with ten men.
The dismissal marked Chelsea’s fifth red card in nine games, following Maresca’s own sending-off against Liverpool earlier this month.
After the game, an angry Maresca labelled Delap’s red card “embarrassing,” criticizing the striker for a lack of discipline.
“Yes, it’s embarrassing when it’s a red card like today,” Maresca said. “Two yellow cards in about five or ten minutes — both avoidable. It’s not good.”
Asked whether he tried to calm Delap down after his first booking, the Italian replied:
“Yes, after the yellow card I told him four or five times to stay calm. But Liam is a player who, when he’s on the pitch, tends to play the game for himself and struggles to listen.”
Delap to Miss Tottenham Clash
Delap, who has featured four times for Chelsea this season after missing ten games through injury, will now serve a one-match suspension.
As a result, he will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham, but could be available again when Chelsea resume their Champions League campaign on November 5 against Qarabag.
