Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he sees no problem with his team’s disciplinary record after Joao Pedro was sent off in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, Afrosport reports.
The Brazilian forward started off the bench and came on for Tyrique George in the 61st minute but picked up two yellow cards in the 62nd and 96th minute which ultimately led to his sending off.
It was the third Chelsea sending off in their last four competitive games, including back-to-back league games against Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion which saw Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah given straight red cards.
Maresca, speaking after the Benfica game however downplayed any issues with discipline in his team.
“I always like to see a 1v1. I think the Newcastle and Flamengo red cards, they were for bad action,” the Italian tactician said.
“Then Sanchez is not for bad action, it’s just because he wants to defend the goal. Chalobah is because he wants to defend the goal. And tonight I think the second yellow card, Joao [Pedro], didn’t even touched the other player, but the dynamic of the action is a dangerous one.
“So for me personally there is not any concern or any issue behind it. It’s just a moment that probably you need to take a different reason and avoid, for instance, Robert’s foul after two to three minutes.
“Or even the other day against Brighton, 50 minutes, we were 1-0 up. Sometimes it’s better to concede the goal or the chance, because then it’s 11 v 11, you have 40 more minutes. So for me personally there is not any problem behind it.”
Chelsea under Enzo Maresca have seen 3 red cards in their last 4 outings. 🟥
❌ Joao Pedro vs Benfica
❌ Chalobah vs Brighton
➖ None vs Lincoln
❌ Sanchez vs Man UnitedTough streak for the Blues. pic.twitter.com/y46vIw1MkR
— Goals Side (@goalsside) September 30, 2025
Maresca will hope his team can avoid another sending off when they host reigning Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
