Enzo Maresca criticised Liam Delap for a “very stupid red card” after Chelsea’s wild 4-3 Carabao Cup win over Wolves, warning his young side they must “grow up” fast.
Chelsea looked in control with first-half goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estêvão, but nearly threw it away after Wolves mounted a spirited comeback. Delap, returning from injury, was sent off just 17 minutes after coming on, picking up two yellows in quick succession.
“I told him four or five times to keep calm,” Maresca said. “He plays for himself sometimes and struggles to listen. It’s embarrassing — two yellows in seven minutes. It’s part of our journey; this team needs to mature.”
Despite David Møller Wolfe’s brace and Tolu Arokodare’s goal sparking late drama, a superb Jamie Gittens strike sealed Chelsea’s spot in the quarter-finals against Cardiff.
Wolves boss Vítor Pereira praised his players’ spirit despite the loss. “At 3-0 down, they showed character and quality,” he said. “We just need one win to believe.”
Chelsea, who face Tottenham next, have now received six red cards in their last nine matches, including Maresca’s own sending-off against Liverpool.
