Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca says Liam Delap has apologised for his red card vs Wolves, calling it a mistake but backing him to improve
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that striker Liam Delap apologised to his teammates following his red card in Wednesday’s dramatic 4–3 League Cup win over Wolves.
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Delap, making his first appearance since August, was sent off after receiving two yellow cards within seven minutes of coming on as a substitute — a decision that Maresca described as “stupid” and “embarrassing.”
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Tottenham, Maresca confirmed the 22-year-old England U-21 international had shown remorse for his actions.
“Straight after the game, in the changing room, he apologised to everyone,” said Maresca on Friday. “He knows he made a mistake. Full stop. No more than that.”
Maresca clarified his earlier post-match comments that Delap “plays for himself,” explaining that it was a mistranslation and that he believes the young forward has a bright future at Stamford Bridge.
“Liam is focused on his battle with defenders rather than the bigger picture — that’s what I meant. He’ll be a fantastic player for us; he just needs to improve some things,” Maresca added.
Delap, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich for £30 million in June, has scored only once this season and will now serve a suspension for Saturday’s London derby.
Chelsea have struggled with discipline this season, receiving red cards in five of their last nine matches.
Maresca himself was also sent off earlier this month during his side’s win over Liverpool for celebrating a late goal too passionately.
“We’re trying to do everything to avoid these situations,” Maresca said. “Hopefully, we can learn and be better in the future.”
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Chelsea currently sit ninth in the Premier League, three points behind third-placed Tottenham, after a disappointing 2–1 home defeat to Sunderland last weekend.
