Maresca backs Delap and trusts in Chelsea revival

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·31 de outubro de 2025

Maresca backs Delap and trusts in Chelsea revival

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stated that Liam Delap apologized for his sending off in the victory over Wolves in the English League Cup last Wednesday—a moment that drew harsh criticism from the coach.

Vídeos OneFootball

Maresca called the England U21 international “stupid” and “embarrassing” for picking up two yellow cards in seven minutes right after coming onto the pitch—his first match since August.

Even with one player down, Chelsea won 4-3, but Delap is suspended for the match against Tottenham this Saturday in the Premier League.

“Right after the game, in the locker room, he apologized to everyone,” Maresca said this Friday. “I spoke with Liam, he understood everything, he knows he was wrong. End of story. Nothing more than that.”

Coach explains criticism and bets on rehabilitation

After the match against Wolves, Maresca had said that the 22-year-old striker “plays for himself”, but explained that it was a translation error, reiterating his confidence in the player, who was signed for £30 million ($40 million) from Ipswich in June.

“What I meant is that Liam, on the pitch, focuses a lot on the direct battle with the central defender, and less on the overall context. That’s what I tried to express,” said the coach. “I know he will be a fantastic player for us, but there are still aspects—as with everyone—where he needs to improve.”

Disciplinary problems persist at Chelsea

Unnecessary sendings-off have been a recurring problem in the Blues’ season.

Maresca’s team has played with 10 men in five of the last nine games, and the coach himself was sent off recently for over-celebrating a winning goal against Liverpool.