Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has declared himself "proud" that his players reflect his personality, responding directly to criticism that his own touchline conduct is setting a poor example for his squad.
A Touchline Ban and Mounting Cards
The Italian coach, 45, will serve a one-match suspension in the dugout during Chelsea's upcoming Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. This follows his latest yellow card, received for angrily protesting a decision during the Blues' last match away at Newcastle United.
His players have mirrored this behaviour, accumulating unnecessary cautions for dissent. Among them are key figures like midfielder Moises Caicedo, who was booked for sarcastically applauding an official, and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who charged at a referee to complain.
Chelsea have received 37 yellow cards this season. A breakdown shows 26 were for genuine fouls, while the remaining 11 were for "unnecessary reasons" like dissent. This tally does not include the five yellow cards shown to Maresca himself in the Premier League this term.
"The Team Reflects the Coach"
On Wednesday morning, club officials showed Maresca external commentary from the past week, which suggested the players were adopting his indiscipline. When asked if Chelsea needed to improve their discipline before facing Villa, Maresca addressed the criticism head-on.
"Listen, the club showed me a comment this morning from some of you saying the team reflects the coach and I am very proud of that," Maresca stated. "For how the team is doing it. It is the youngest squad in the Premier League. You also have to allow them some mistakes in terms of growth."
He acknowledged the issue but urged perspective: "I think yes, we have yellow cards, yes, we had some red cards, but I like to analyse the different situations. For sure it is something we can improve."
Preparations for Villa Clash
With Maresca banned from the touchline, assistant manager Willy Caballero is expected to take charge on the bench against an in-form Aston Villa side who have won their last 10 consecutive matches.
The Chelsea boss also provided an update on his tactical use of captain Reece James, who has been deployed more in midfield than at right-back this season. "As a midfielder, we help him to stay fit, because we want to avoid him making big runs and long sprints that probably could cause him some problems," Maresca explained.
Chelsea will be without Spanish coach Jamie Gittens due to a shoulder issue, while defender Jorrel Hato is also sidelined with a shoulder complaint.
