Enzo Maresca has revealed the secret to Chelsea’s recent run of red cards
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has defended his young side’s discipline despite a worrying run of five red cards in their last six matches across all competitions.
The Italian coach, who himself was sent off earlier this month, insists he prefers guidance over punishment, likening his approach to how he raises his own children.
Maresca preaches patience over punishment
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures, Maresca made it clear he doesn’t believe harsh discipline is the solution to his team’s growing red card problem.
“Personally I’m not that kind of manager to punish players, I don’t think it’s the right way to do things,” he said. “I prefer to help them to understand and to do the right things.”
The Blues’ recent disciplinary issues have been costly. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was dismissed just five minutes into a clash with Manchester United, while Trevoh Chalobah’s red card against Brighton contributed to another defeat.
Chelsea players against Benfica (Credit: Imago)
Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (far left) has revealed his excitement on the Blues’ Club World Cup campaign (Credit: Imago)
Malo Gusto was also sent off for a second yellow during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, meaning he will miss the upcoming home game against Sunderland.
Despite this, Maresca remains calm: “I have four kids. 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.”
Players introduce internal fines amid growing concern
Interestingly, Maresca revealed that the Chelsea squad have introduced a self-imposed fines system within the dressing room to manage discipline internally.
“The players have a system inside the changing room in terms of fines,” he explained. “It’s something that they manage.”
Enzo Maresca was shown the red card against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Chelsea/X)
The 44-year-old was recently fined £8,000 and handed a one-match touchline ban after his passionate celebrations following Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time winner against Liverpool.
Despite the turbulence, Maresca insists his leadership style will not change, maintaining that education, not fear, is the key to keeping his talented but impulsive young squad under control.