In this video
- Asked if the striker who has done well off the bench will start, Maresca said they have different options. They have one more session this afternoon, and then they decide.
- Asked if Fernández is fit to play, Maresca said he took part in yesterday's session and they will decide after one more. It was not something to worry about, just protecting players who need it.
- Asked how hard it is to find balance through so many injuries, Maresca said it is very difficult, especially as many came the day before a game or two days before, when they already had an idea.
- Asked if Chelsea have a discipline problem, with someone suspended every game, Maresca said they can do better. He thinks Malo Gusto's red card was completely avoidable because the game was finished.
- Asked if a young squad is naive and punishments should be harder, Maresca said he is not that kind of manager. He prefers to help players understand; the red cards are all different kinds.
“…I have four kids and when they do something wrong, I don't punish them.”
- Asked how Reece James has developed as a leader over the past year, Maresca said it is much better compared to one year ago. He thinks James has improved a lot, and more players are doing well that way.
- Asked twice about Ajax, Maresca said they always try to play their own kind of football, and they have won this competition in the past. It will be a tough game.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca addressed growing questions about player discipline following a string of red card suspensions across recent matches.
Speaking ahead of their Champions League fixture against Ajax, Maresca admitted that the number of sendings-off is something the team must improve, describing some incidents as “avoidable” particularly Malo Gusto’s late dismissal at 0–3. However, he dismissed the idea of punishing players.
Maresca also confirmed that João Pedro and Pedro Porro are both suspended, while Liam Delap remains out and Enzo Fernández is being assessed after a light training session.
He praised the development of young players like Josh Acheampong, defended his trust in Mark Guy, and explained why leadership from players like Tosin is growing within the squad.
Asked about Chelsea’s adaptation to the Champions League after last season’s Conference League run, Maresca reflected on lessons learned from matches against Bayern Munich and Benfica, while preparing for Ajax’s classic style of play.
Despite injuries, rotation, and internal competition, the manager remained focused on consistency, resilience, and building a competitive culture without losing control.
