Chelsea’s initial plan to tackle the team’s ill-discipline this season was quite an interesting one.
Following Pedro Neto’s red card against Arsenal last Sunday, Chelsea have now had players sent off on nine occasions in the current campaign.
It means the winger will now miss the Blues’ next game against Aston Villa on Wednesday. Before his exit, Enzo Maresca was also shown a red card during one match earlier in the season.
Who will get sent off next? 🔴
Something is telling me Andrey Santos! 🤷♂️
Chelsea players to have been sent off
Chelsea tried to let players ‘police’ themselves
At one stage, it looked like those inside Chelsea trusted the players despite the accumulation of yellow and red cards.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea have been understanding over some of the red cards that have been picked up this term and encouraged players to “police” themselves.
However, it appears that figures at the club have finally lost patience with the team’s ill-discipline.
The same outlet has claimed that Chelsea are making it clear that any bookings for arguing with the referee or any other forms of dissent will be viewed as unacceptable.
Liam Rosenior was recently asked about Enzo Fernandez’s tendency to get into trouble with referees because of dissent, with the Chelsea manager warning his vice-captain that he needs to do better.
Liam Rosenior manager / head coach of Chelsea and Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal step in as tensions flare between Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea and Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
What Liam Rosenior has said about Chelsea’s ill-discipline
Rosenior has warned all of Chelsea’s players that their discipline has to improve after Neto’s dismissal at the Emirates.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Villa versus Chelsea, the 41-year-old told BBC Sport and other outlets: “It needs to improve. My job is to create a culture of accountability where if you make a mistake it’s OK, but you have to hold your hand up and not do it again.
“You pick players who are showing improvement. I can’t go through the season with a red card every two to three games.”
Is another red card on the horizon? 😡
Jarred Gillett sent Malo Gusto off vs Aston Villa in 2023
The last thing that the Blues can afford to do at Villa Park is go down to 10 men. Unai Emery’s side recently lost 2-0 to bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they have been excellent overall this season.
Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League and have already beaten Chelsea during this campaign, winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge back in December. It is going to be a tricky fixture with 11 men, let alone 10.
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