Maresca stands by 'stupid' label for Delap and expects him to shine at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed that Liam Delap has said sorry for receiving a red card during Wednesdays League Cup victory over Wolves, an incident that prompted harsh words from his coach.

Maresca described the England under twenty one cap as "stupid" and "embarrassing" after he accumulated two bookings within only seven minutes of entering as a substitute, marking his return since August.

Chelsea managed to secure advancement in a gripping 4-3 encounter at Molineux, though Delap will miss Saturdays Premier League visit to Tottenham due to suspension.

"Right after the match, inside the dressing room, he expressed regret to the whole team," Maresca commented on Friday.

"I had a conversation with Liam, he understands it all, he realises the circumstances, he acknowledges his error. Thats it. Nothing further."

Following the Wolves clash, Maresca had suggested the twenty two year old "performs solely for personal gain", yet he explained this as a phrasing mix up and expressed confidence in Delap, who has netted only once following his thirty million pound (forty million dollar) transfer from Ipswich back in June, to demonstrate his value.

"On the field, Liam tends to concentrate more on his duel with the opposing centre back rather than broader aspects. That was my intended message post Wolves game." Maresca continued.

"I am certain Liam will become an excellent asset for our squad, but certain elements, including team play, require enhancement."

Unnecessary dismissals have repeatedly occurred throughout Chelseas campaign thus far.

Marescas squad has been down to ten players in five out of their most recent nine fixtures, and the Italian coach himself was ejected from the sidelines for his exuberant reaction to a last minute goal versus Liverpool earlier this month.

"At present, we are working hard to prevent such occurrences. With any luck, we will gain from this and improve going forward," Maresca noted regarding the teams conduct problems.

A 2-1 loss at home to Sunderland the previous weekend saw the Blues slip to ninth position in the Premier League standings.

However, they trail third placed Tottenham by merely three points before heading to north London.