Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
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Chelsea’s disciplinary problems were a major talking point during the 2025/26 campaign. The issue has resurfaced after Cole Palmer received a red card in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend, even though it was the Blues’ first dismissal of the 2026/27 season.
Enzo Maresca was in charge of Chelsea for the first half of last season before leaving on New Year’s Day, with Liam Rosenior and then Calum McFarlane taking over. But the Manchester City boss gave a striking response when asked whether Chelsea’s red card record had been an issue during his time at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE:Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso makes feelings clear on Michael Carrick amid Man Utd pressure
How should Xabi Alonso address Chelsea’s discipline problems after Cole Palmer’s red card vs Tottenham? Morgan Rogers could have been sent off too – Gary Neville thought so
My other concern about Alonso is his hatred for Estavao. Chelsea is going to lose Estevao because of Alonso
Alonso never learnt enough from the Real Madrid experience. The players are confused with his style of play and that can be seen in all the games they lost.
I wouldn’t say this specific example is too concerning in isolation. It’s repeat offenders that are a bigger issue. Really, really poor from Palmer though
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea red card denial ignores the facts
Chelsea received 11 red cards last season, with 10 shown to players and one to Enzo Maresca himself. The Italian was sent off after celebrating Estevao Willian’s late winner against Liverpool by running down the touchline to join the celebrations.
Seven of those dismissals came before Maresca left the West London club on 1 January, with the other four following his departure. The most alarming spell under the Italian saw Chelsea receive five red cards in less than a month, between 20 September and 18 October.
"You lack information" Enzo Maresca when asked about red card issues during his time at Chelsea😅 https://t.co/xqqE4WL3lm
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) October 30, 2026
When asked about the Blues’ red card problems, Maresca replied: “When I was there or when I left?” The reporter clarified: “When you were there,” prompting Maresca to respond: “And when I left?” He then added: “You lack information. When I was there or when I left?”
When the reporter asked whether Maresca did not think it had been a big issue, the Man City manager answered: “I don’t think so.”
Date Name Match Competition
20 September 2025 Robert Sanchez Man Utd 2–1 Chelsea Premier League
27 September 2025 Trevoh Chalobah Chelsea 1-3 Brighton Premier League
30 September 2025 Joao Pedro Chelsea 1–0 Benfica Champions League
4 October 2025 Enzo Maresca Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool Premier League
18 October 2025 Malo Gusto Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea Premier League
29 October 2025 Liam Delap Wolves 3–4 Chelsea Carabao Cup
30 November 2025 Moises Caicedo Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal Premier League
7 January 2026 Marc Cucurella Fulham 2–1 Chelsea Premier League
21 February 2026 Wesley Fofana Chelsea 1-1 Burnley Premier League
1 March 2026 Pedro Neto Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea Premier League
24 May 2026 Wesley Fofana Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea Premier League
Chelsea’s indiscipline continued under Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane, with four red cards in the second half of the season. Therefore, Maresca could reasonably point out that the issue was not solely his responsibility, but that does not make his assessment any easier to understand.
The statistics make it difficult to agree with Maresca’s stance. Chelsea’s discipline struggles were very real and a significant proportion of their red cards came during his tenure.