Chelsea’s victory over Liverpool last weekend was one of those nights that reminded fans of what the club used to stand for intensity, drama, and never giving up. But amid the celebrations came another talking point: Enzo Maresca’s red card, Softfootball reports.
Moments after Estevao’s late winner hit the back of the net, the Italian manager charged down the touchline in jubilation, only to be shown a red by the referee for his emotional reaction after he had been booked earlier for protesting for a penalty . What should have been a perfect night ended with their coach dismissed, leaving many to wonder was it passion or poor judgment?
The incident adds to an uncomfortable trend. It marked Chelsea’s fourth straight red card in as many games, a streak that began when Robert Sánchez was sent off in the 2–1 defeat to Manchester United. Trevoh Chalobah followed in the next match against Brighton, and João Pedro saw red in the 1-0 Champions League win against Benfica. Maresca’s ejection, though off the pitch, has now become part of that growing disciplinary list.
A Show of Passion
For some, Maresca’s reaction was a glimpse of the fire Chelsea have long missed. The Italian has often been criticized for being too methodical and sometimes rigid on the sidelines, so seeing him explode with emotion felt refreshing even inspiring, many fans took to social media to defend him, arguing that his red card was a byproduct of passion rather than indiscipline.
In a young Chelsea squad still trying to rediscover its identity, such raw emotion might be contagious. Players feed off their manager’s energy, and for once, it looked like the entire team and the coaching staffs included was united in belief.
Football is a game of passion, as the blues are not exempted, the team via its official X handle, posted an exclusive video showing the late winner by Estevao and Coach Marseca running down the sidelines to join in the celebrations as the whole of stamford bridge erupted, watch the video below;
The Other Side of the Coin
Still, others believe Maresca’s actions sent the wrong message. Four red cards in four matches suggest a team that’s losing control when the pressure peaks. And when that loss of control extends to the man in charge, it becomes a worrying pattern.
A manager’s job, after all, is to be the calming figure in chaos. When he’s the one dismissed, it weakens the message of composure he tries to instill in his players. It also has practical consequences suspensions, fines, and the loss of presence on the touchline during key matches.
Former players and pundits alike have been quick to point out that passion is important, but so is discipline. Emotion wins moments, composure wins seasons, one analyst remarked after the match.
Inspiration or Liability?
Maresca’s red card sits at the crossroads of both. It was the kind of act that can spark belief in a team fighting to find its feet again but it also risks reinforcing a culture of indiscipline that could prove costly in the long run.
If Chelsea harness the energy from that win and tighten their discipline, the moment might be remembered as a turning point, a spark of unity in a rebuilding season. But if the red cards continue, it will go down as yet another sign that the Blues are struggling to find balance between passion and control. For now, Maresca’s red card is both an emotional flash that inspired his players in the moment, but a warning that passion, when unchecked, can quickly turn into liability.
