Chelsea: Enzo Maresca issues discipline problem response after three red cards

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Evening Standard

·3 de octubre de 2025

Chelsea: Enzo Maresca issues discipline problem response after three red cards

Key defender will be suspended for Liverpool clash after early bath

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Enzo Maresca has said Chelsea do not have a discipline problem despite seeing a player sent off in three of their last four games.

Following Joao Pedro’s dismissal during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Benfica on Tuesday, the Blues have now received 25 yellow cards and three reds in just nine games this season.

Maresca admits his side’s ill-discipline has cost them points this season, but said he had to analyse each red card incident on a case-by-case basis.

“You have to analyse case for case. When it's a red card for bad intentions, or bad discipline, then it is different compared to Brighton or Manchester United red cards.

“It is a decision you have to take in one or two seconds. It is difficult. I do not see any discipline problem, even if we concede three or four red cards,” Maresca told reporters ahead of Chelsea’s match with Liverpool.

Trevoh Chalobah will miss out against Liverpool after seeing red during Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend.

Chalobah’s absence leaves Chelsea, who are also without Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Tosin Adarabioyo, short at centre-back, but Maresca says he has trust in the options he has in the centre of defence.

“Again, I think it is a fact that I really trust the young players. Not just the ones we buy, but those from the academy. Josh Acheampong has played, that shows I trust young players.

“In this moment, I think we have four or five defenders out. We are going to try and adapt and find the right solution for tomorrow.”

Maresca will have to pick between Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato, and Benoit Badiashile as they look to get back to winning ways against Liverpool.

Badiashile started his first game since the Club World Cup round of 16 win against Benfica on Tuesday as Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge with the Portuguese giants.

The French centre-half looked composed in what was a dominant Chelsea display, and Maresca said it was good to have him back available after a hamstring injury.

“Since I joined the club, every time I talk about Benoit, he is an important player. Unfortunately, he has been injured a few times. Before the last injury, he was playing almost every game. Now he is back, it is good news for us, for the teammates, and especially for him.”