Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Enzo Maresca is saying that the Chelsea players are punishing themselves for their excess of red cards.
The Italian coach has revealed that there is an internal system of fines between his stars.
On the eve of facing Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, the Blues have seen the red in five of their last six games in all competitions, including one for Maresca.
Malo Gusto was the last to be expelled for a second yellow card, and his victory at home before Nottingham Forest.
When Frank Lampard was the manager of Chelsea in 2019-20, he filtered an internal list of purposes. Framed on the wall of his Cobham training ground, it included a £20,000 fine for arriving late to the start of training. The money was used for team activities and charitable entities.
Maresca and his player Tosin Adarabioyo, 28 years old, gave a press conference on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge before the visit of Ajax.
Asked how much had been raised by the time of the Christmas party, Tosin responded with a laugh: ‘That’s something that will stay between us.’
Maresca clarified that he is not in charge of the goals, or that he prefers a more empathetic approach as a coach. But he did say that he thinks it’s okay for players to police themselves.
‘Personally, it’s the type of coastline.
‘In my opinion, it is not the right way. I prefer to help them understand and, from there, do things well. I have four children, and when they do something wrong, I don’t punish them.’
Enzo Maresca let the Chelsea players punish themselves for their excess of red cards
Chelsea have seen five red cards in the last six games
Even Maresca was expelled for exuberantly celebrating Chelsea’s victory against Liverpool at the beginning of the month
‘I try to teach them to do things right. And I intend to treat the players in the same way.
‘I try to help them understand, not punish them. That’s how I see things. It may be right or wrong, I don’t know, but it’s how I see things. I believe that the players have a system inside the locker room, so that’s something they manage.
Chelsea’s red cards went to Robert Sánchez against Manchester United, Trevoh Chalobah against Brighton, Joao Pedro against Benfica, Maresca against Liverpool and Gusto against Forest.
Joao Pedro will not be able to face Ajax due to the sanction, which gives Marc Guiu the possible opportunity to become the first-team leader of Chelsea.
Enzo Fernández could also return from his knee injury, while Liam Delap, who has been sidelined since August due to a hamstring problem, will start training again next week.
Ajax is going through a bad streak lately, and with the pressure on its trainer, John Heitinga, Chelsea is the big favorite for victory.
