Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on Friday dismissed suggestions his side are struggling with discipline despite a spate of red cards in recent matches.
The Blues have had players sent off in three of their past four games — goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, defender Trevoh Chalobah in a 3-1 loss at Brighton, and forward Joao Pedro during Tuesday’s Champions League win over Benfica.
Maresca, however, insisted the dismissals were circumstantial rather than evidence of a deeper problem.
“When it’s a red card for bad intention or bad discipline, it’s different,” he said. “The Manchester United and Brighton red cards were just quick decisions in two or three seconds. We analyse case by case. I don’t see any discipline problem, even if three or four red cards is not something normal.”
Chelsea began the season strongly but have slipped to eighth in the Premier League after taking just one point from their last three matches. Maresca attributed the dip in form to the dismissals and a mounting injury list, with eight players currently sidelined.
“Most of the games where we didn’t get the points were very complicated because of red cards,” he said. “But we don’t have any doubt that slowly, slowly we’re going to be again where we need to be.”
The Italian also rejected suggestions that Liverpool, who visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday, might be vulnerable after consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.
“It’s always tough against Liverpool, always a big team,” Maresca said, praising their resilience following the death of forward Diogo Jota in a road accident in Spain in July.
“It’s not easy for the players, the club, or the manager when you arrive at the training ground and see that place empty,” he said. “This is why, for me, they are doing not good, but even better than good.”
