Enzo Maresca: Why Chelsea’s red card problem is actually a GOOD THING

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes that his players’ disciplinary issues are actually a good thing after Malo Gusto became the latest Blues star to receive a suspension.

The Italian’s side comfortably defeated Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, running out 3-0 winners in a game that ultimately cost Ange Postecoglou his job. The Australian was sacked by Evangelos Marinakis immediately after the match.

The Postecoglou news has somewhat overshadowed what was a solid performance by Chelsea, although it was marred by yet another unnecessary red card. Blues defender Malo Gusto, who was already on a yellow, received his marching orders late in the game after a needless foul.

Chelsea players have now received red cards in four of their last six competitive games, prompting suggestions that there is a disciplinary problem at Stamford Bridge.

In fact, even head coach Maresca has been implicated. He was forced to watch the win over Forest from the stands after receiving a red card for his celebrations in the win over Liverpool. He described his experience of not being allowed near the dugout as “very bad” after the game.

Maresca not concerned about red cards

Naturally, Maresca was also asked about the frequent red cards in his post-match press conference, and he decided to put a positive spin on this issue. Although he admitted that suspensions are avoidable, he made sure to emphasise that he is delighted with his players’ commitment.

“It’s something that we can do better [with], but I’m not concerned,” he insisted. “I know that there are some of you that say, ‘why is he not concerned?’ I’m not concerned because I like to analyse.

“We can avoid that, yes, for sure we can avoid that. But also for me, the desire of the players is important. Today, with 3-0, 90 minutes, the game is finished, Malo [Gusto] can avoid that because it’s useless to make a second foul on a yellow card, for sure.

“But also the good part is, Malo is showing that he doesn’t want to concede anything. They don’t want to concede a goal, they are playing for a clean sheet. It’s the balance, [but] we can avoid that for sure.”

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