By hammed from Ikirun Osun state, which we Report, Update sport, news, and political talk from the newsroom of presshub media agency….
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has spoken openly about striker Liam Delap’s recent red card, the team’s discipline issues, and what lies ahead as they prepare for a tough clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Italian tactician addressed the media with honesty and clarity, confirming that Delap has apologized to the entire squad following his controversial sending-off during the Carabao Cup victory over Wolves. The young forward’s dismissal, which came after two yellow cards within minutes, left Chelsea playing with 10 men for a significant part of the match — a scenario that frustrated Maresca deeply.
“I spoke with Liam, he knows everything, he’s aware of the situation, he knows that he made a mistake. Full stop. No more than that. Straight after the game, in the changing room, he apologised to everyone,” Maresca said.
The 23-year-old striker, signed as part of Chelsea’s massive rebuilding project, has shown flashes of brilliance but also signs of inexperience. The red card was a turning point — one that Maresca insists must become a learning moment rather than a recurring pattern.
“It’s something we need to learn, something we need to do better. For sure in the future we will be better on that,” he added.
Maresca, known for his calm yet strict approach to player development, made it clear that he doesn’t believe in punishing players through harsh measures. Instead, he prefers teaching and correcting errors — comparing his management style to that of a father guiding his children.
“I’m not that kind of manager to punish players,” he explained. “I prefer to help them to understand and then do the right things. I have four kids and 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.”
His words show a manager who values discipline but also empathy — a combination Chelsea fans are starting to admire.
Addressing the “Lost in Translation” Moment
Maresca also took the opportunity to clarify previous post-match comments that were slightly misunderstood by the media. After the Wolves match, his criticism of Delap’s focus was taken by some as overly harsh. The Italian clarified that he had been referring to Delap’s in-game mindset, not his professionalism.
“I’m not from England so sometimes when I try to translate from Italian to English, sometimes it’s a bit different,” Maresca explained.
“Liam, on the pitch, is more focused on his battle with the central defender than the rest. This was what I was trying to say after the Wolves game.”
It’s a fair point — Maresca’s tactical approach demands composure, decision-making, and emotional control. For young players like Delap, that can take time to master.
The manager went on to highlight Delap’s potential, calling him a future star who just needs refinement and patience.
Chelsea’s Discipline Challenge
Chelsea’s season has been marked by flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating lapses in discipline. Red cards, unnecessary fouls, and moments of poor composure have cost the Blues valuable points in key matches.
Maresca, while defending his players’ passion, has acknowledged that discipline is an area that must improve if the club hopes to climb back into Premier League contention.
“For sure, today also we had a very stupid red card that is completely unnecessary. Absolutely yes. Stupid foul,” Maresca said after the Wolves match.
“It’s embarrassing when it is a red card like today. It is embarrassing — two yellow cards in seven minutes. Both I think we can avoid.”
His frustration is understandable. Chelsea’s squad, filled with young and talented players, sometimes struggles with emotional maturity on the pitch — a reflection of their inexperience rather than lack of effort.
Still, Maresca insists that these growing pains are part of the club’s long-term project. His message to the players is clear: passion is good, but control is essential.
Focus Turns to Tottenham
With the controversy now behind them, Chelsea’s focus shifts to their upcoming Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur a game loaded with both pressure and promise.
facing Tottenham means facing a team known for high-intensity football under Ange Postecoglou. The North London side has been impressive this season, pressing aggressively and maintaining quick transitions. Maresca knows his side cannot afford indiscipline or carelessness in such a high-stakes game.
Chelsea’s recent form has been encouraging, but consistency remains their biggest challenge. Maresca’s tactical system, heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola’s positional play, is gradually taking shape — and this match offers the perfect test of how far his young side has come.
Fans are particularly eager to see how the manager sets up his midfield, whether Delap returns to the squad after suspension, and how the team responds mentally after recent setbacks.
Maresca remains confident that the squad is learning fast.
“We are building something here,” he said. “It’s not easy when you’re trying to change habits and create a new culture, but the players are responding well. Every mistake is a lesson, and every match is a step forward.”
The Bigger Picture
Chelsea’s rebuild is still a work in progress, but under Enzo Maresca, the club appears to be finding its identity again. His philosophy goes beyond tactics — it’s about discipline, accountability, and collective growth.
He’s shaping a young, hungry squad that mirrors his own passion for the game. And while setbacks like Delap’s red card might dominate headlines, behind the scenes, Chelsea looks more united than ever.
The road ahead will not be without challenges, but if Maresca continues to nurture his players with patience and purpose, the Blues might just rediscover their winning DNA sooner than expected.
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