Chelsea Boss Criticizes Delap’s Discipline: “He Plays for Himself”

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca criticized Liam Delap's conduct following his red card against Wolves, calling it "stupid" and "avoidable."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca voiced strong disapproval of Liam Delap’s dismissal during the club’s 4–3 Carabao Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Delap, who had just returned from injury, received two yellow cards within 25 minutes of entering the match as a second-half substitute.

“This was a completely unnecessary red card—very stupid and embarrassing,” Maresca stated. “After his first booking, I reminded him several times to stay composed. Unfortunately, when Liam is on the pitch, he sometimes becomes overly focused on his own performance and loses sight of the team around him.”

Delap’s first caution came after a physical altercation with Yerson Mosquera, while the second resulted from a reckless aerial challenge on Emmanuel Agbadou. The incident marks Chelsea’s sixth red card in just nine games this season, prompting Maresca to label the team’s disciplinary record as “embarrassing.”

Delap will now miss Chelsea’s upcoming fixture against Tottenham Hotspur due to suspension.