By KIERAN GILL, MAIL SPORT REPORTER
Published: 17:30 EST, 26 December 2025 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 26 December 2025
Chelsea's suspended head coach Enzo Maresca is 'proud' if his players are reflecting himself amid criticism that the Blues boss has not been setting the best example with how he behaves in his technical area.
Maresca will serve a touchline ban for this evening's visit of Aston Villa after picking up yet another yellow card in their last outing at Newcastle for angrily protesting when a decision did not go his side's way.
His youngsters have recently received yellows for dissent, too, including two of his more senior stars in Moises Caicedo, who sarcastically applauded one referee, and Robert Sanchez, who charged towards another to complain.
On Wednesday morning, club insiders showed Maresca some outside commentary from the last week which suggested that the players were picking up on his own ill-discipline and behaving in the image of their boss.
It is not known what the 45-year-old Italian was specifically shown, but it was a featured segment on the London Is Blue fan podcast released on Tuesday.
Of Chelsea's 37 yellows received this season, 26 have been for actual fouls, and the other 11 for unnecessary reasons. Those figures do not include the five shown to Maresca in the Premier League this season - two against Liverpool, including one for how he celebrated Estevao Willian's stoppage-time winner, and others versus Newcastle, Burnley and Manchester United.
Enzo Maresca (right) is proud of his Chelsea side amid criticism about their discipline issues
Robert Sanchez (centre) was booked early on at Newcastle, much to Chelsea's displeasure
Asked if Chelsea need to improve in this area before the visit of Villa, which he is expected to watch alongside reporters in the press box at Stamford Bridge, Maresca said: 'Listen, the club this morning showed me a comment from some of you that said the team reflect the manager and I'm very proud of that. Because of the way the team is doing. The youngest squad in the Premier League. You also have to allow them some mistakes in terms of growing.
'I think, yes, we have yellow cards, yes, we had some red cards, but I like to analyse different situations. For sure, it's something we can do better.'
Maresca's assistant Willy Caballero is expected to take the lead in the dugout against Villa, who have won their last 10 consecutive games.
Jamie Gittens is in line to make Chelsea's squad again after a shoulder issue saw him skip their last trip to Newcastle, but Jorrel Hato is set to miss this match after picking up a problem.
Reece James, who is being used more in midfield than at right back by Maresca, has arguably become Chelsea's most important player. On his leadership and progress, Chelsea's head coach said: 'As a midfielder we help him in terms of keeping him fit because we want to avoid him doing big sprints and long sprints that could probably cause him some problems.'