According to a report by Chelsea Chronicles on Friday, October 30, 2026, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has faced criticism over his response to questions about the club's disciplinary record after statistics highlighted the number of red cards received during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca dismissed suggestions that Chelsea had a serious red card problem under his management, despite the club recording several dismissals during the 2025/26 campaign.

Chelsea received 11 red cards last season, including 10 shown to players and one issued to Maresca himself.

The Italian was sent off after running down the touchline to celebrate Estevao Willian's late winner against Liverpool.

Seven of those dismissals occurred before Maresca left Stamford Bridge on January 1, 2026, while the remaining four came under subsequent managers Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane.

Chelsea's disciplinary problems were particularly noticeable between September 20 and October 18, 2025, when the club received five red cards in less than a month.

Maresca was recently questioned about the issue during a media appearance following his departure from Chelsea to Manchester City.

When asked whether Chelsea had a red card problem during his time at Stamford Bridge, the Italian responded: "When I was there or when I left?"

After the reporter clarified the question, Maresca replied: "And when I left?" He subsequently added: "You lack information. When I was there or when I left?"

Asked whether he believed it had been a major issue, the Manchester City manager responded: "I don’t think so."

However, the statistics present a different picture, with seven of Chelsea's 11 dismissals occurring during his tenure.

The problem also continued after his departure, as Rosenior and McFarlane oversaw four additional red cards during the second half of the campaign.

Chelsea's disciplinary record has once again attracted attention following Cole Palmer's dismissal in their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

Although it was the Blues' first red card of the 2026/27 season, Palmer's dismissal has renewed discussions about the team's discipline under current manager Xabi Alonso.