Enzo Maresca criticised striker Liam Delap for his “very stupid” sending off and urged his Chelsea side to “grow up” after they nearly threw away a 3-0 lead in a wild 4-3 Carabao Cup win over Wolves.
Chelsea stormed ahead with goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Estêvão and Jamie Gittens, but Wolves mounted a spirited second-half comeback, scoring three times through Tolu Arokodare and David Møller Wolfe’s brace.
Delap, making his return from injury, was sent off for two reckless challenges within seven minutes, leaving Chelsea to cling on with 10 men. It marked the Blues’ sixth red card in nine games, adding to Maresca’s own dismissal for over-celebrating against Liverpool.
“It’s embarrassing,” Maresca said. “I told him four or five times to keep calm, but he plays like he can’t hear anything around him.”
The Italian admitted his young team lost composure after Wolves pulled one back: “It’s part of the journey. This squad needs to grow up and gain experience.”
Despite the nervy ending, Chelsea advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Cardiff, while Wolves boss Vítor Pereira praised his players’ fight, calling them “one of the best groups” he has ever managed.
