Maresca issues warning to Chelsea players

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has issued a warning to his players about securing unnecessary cards during games.

Recall that Joao Pedro was dismissed during the Blues’ 1-0 victory against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro was handed a second booking in added time. The Brazilian forward who was a substitute has only been on the field for half an hour.

This made him became the third Chelsea player to be sent off in four games after goalkeeper Robert Sanchex against Man United and defender Trevoh Chalobah against Brighton in the Blues’ last outing.

Maresca : “So for me personally, there is not any concern or any issue. It’s just that in the moment probably you need to take a different reason and avoid this.

“Sometimes it’s better to concede the goal or the chance because then it’s eleven versus eleven and you have more minutes to play.”

Maresca made this known ahead of the Blues game against Liverpool scheduled for Saturday.

The Blues will host the Reds at Stamford Bridge and will hope to replicate their win against Benfica when they play in the Premier League this weekend.