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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he has no regrets about being sent off for his wild celebrations during his side’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool , insisting the emotional outburst was “worth it.”
The Italian manager sprinted down the touchline to join his players after Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time winner at Stamford Bridge, a result that spared Chelsea from going four Premier League games without a win.
Emotional moment at Stamford Bridge
The teenage Brazilian netted his first league goal for the Blues in the 95th minute, sparking jubilant scenes as Maresca ran to celebrate with his players and fans near the corner flag.
However, referee Anthony Taylor issued the Chelsea boss a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal. The red card means Maresca will serve a suspension when Chelsea face Nottingham Forest on October 18, after the international break.
Maresca was shown a second yellow in the encounter for his wild celebrations, ruling him out of Chelsea next game against Nottingham Forest – Getty image
Speaking at the Trento Sports Festival, Maresca said he didn’t regret the incident, calling it an instinctive display of passion.
“It was a huge emotion against Liverpool,” Maresca said, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio. “It’s my second season at Chelsea, and it was the first time we won at home in the last minute.
“The sending-off? Football is passion and instinct. I probably didn’t have time to think, but it was worth it.”
‘Pressure comes with managing Chelsea’
Maresca also reflected on the pressure of managing one of the most demanding clubs in world football.
Since Todd Boehly’s takeover in 2022, Chelsea have been rebuilding following years of dominance under Roman Abramovich.
“It’s one of the most important clubs in the world,” Maresca said. “In recent years, for various reasons, Chelsea have struggled. Bringing the club back to a great level gives me huge satisfaction.
“When I signed, I felt pressure, I didn’t want to be the only Italian not to win here. Fortunately, that hasn’t been the case.”
Maresca lifted both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup last season, ensuring his name joined a long list of successful Italian managers at the club, including Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Roberto Di Matteo.
Next tests for the Blues
Chelsea will next visit Nottingham Forest before taking on Ajax in the Champions League on October 22.
The Blues recovered from a 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in their opening European fixture by edging Benfica 1-0 on September 30, a night that saw Jose Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge, where he previously won three Premier League titles across two spells.
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