Maresca defends Chelsea red card record in tetchy exchange

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 15:47 · Archive

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca disputed criticism of Chelsea's disciplinary record under his leadership.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca had a tense exchange with a reporter on Friday when questioned about Chelsea's red card issues during his time at the club. Asked why players under his leadership received many red cards, Maresca interrupted to ask 'When I was there or when I left?' When the reporter specified his time at Chelsea, Maresca replied: 'When I left. You lack information.'

Maresca's tenure at Chelsea was marked by discipline problems. The Blues received six red cards between September and November before the Italian manager departed on New Year's Day. However, after he left, Chelsea only received four red cards, suggesting the problems continued beyond his departure. Cole Palmer was sent off in Chelsea's defeat to Tottenham the week before this exchange.

When asked if he thought discipline was an issue, Maresca replied: 'I don't think so.' The manager also revealed he has been making tactical decisions around yellow cards at Manchester City. He notably substituted Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki at half-time during the previous week's match against Aston Villa while both were on yellow cards.

Looking ahead to Saturday's match against Brighton, Maresca confirmed that his entire squad was available except Antoine Semenyo, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained against Ipswich. Maresca said Semenyo was progressing well in his recovery and doing therapy sessions, but it was too early to discuss his return.

How it is being reported

• Man City: Enzo Maresca issues Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo injury updates before Brighton rematchPlenty of returnees expected before second meeting with Seagulls this weekEvening Standard · 30 Oct, 15:29
• Man City boss Enzo Maresca in tetchy exchange with reporter: ‘You lack information’Maresca was speaking ahead of Manchester City’s clash against third-placed Brighton on Saturday afternoonIndependent Sport · 30 Oct, 14:29
• 'You lack information' - Maresca's frosty reporter exchange over Chelsea red cardsEnzo Maresca had a frosty exchange with a reporter when discussing Chelsea's red card history whilst he was in charge of the London club.Sky Sports · 30 Oct, 13:44

In this story: Enzo Maresca · Chelsea · Manchester City · Brighton · Cole Palmer · Antoine Semenyo

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