Enzo Maresca comments on the card Liam Delap received! | OneFootball

The player returned from injury only to receive a surprise red card.

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As the Premier League prepares for a pivotal London derby, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has addressed a recent internal matter, shedding light on the fallout from a costly EFL Cup dismissal.

The incident involved young striker Liam Delap, whose return from a lengthy ten-week injury layoff was brutally cut short. Introduced as a second-half substitute against Wolverhampton, Delap’s comeback lasted a mere 26 minutes before two quick yellow cards saw him sent off, sparking frustration among the club's supporters and staff.

In the aftermath, Maresca revealed a scene of immediate accountability within the dressing room. He confirmed that the young player was quick to face his teammates, setting the stage for a private conversation between manager and player.

Maresca stated, outlining the player's contrition.

Beyond the immediate incident, the manager provided context for his relationship with the 21-year-old, placing his faith in Delap's long-term future at the club. Maresca pointed to a shared history that gives him unique insight into the player's character and potential.

"There are three players in this team I know better than the others: Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, and Liam Delap. I knew them four years ago. I know that Liam will become a fantastic player for us, but there are things, just like for everyone else, that he needs to improve," he said.

This blend of private reckoning and public support from his manager paints a picture of a club handling a setback with a focus on development, even as they gear up for a critical clash against Tottenham.