Maresca 'precise' on Delap and disciplinary issues

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faced more questioning on Friday about Liam Delap's red card at Wolves, the club's disciplinary issues and set-pieces.

When it came to the six dismissals in nine matches, Maresca was very precise with his language, clarifying his view that "some red cards they can avoid and some they can't".

Equally, he clarified his comments about Delap on Wednesday night, having previously said the striker "plays for himself". The Italian said his language skills got in the way and he meant Delap is only focused on competing with the central defender and shuts off noise from the touchline.

Chelsea have a poor record at defending long throw-ins and corners this season, which is high on Maresca's to-do list before Saturday's game at Tottenham, who have excelled at attacking in these ways under new manager Thomas Frank.

With Chelsea playing two games per week in three competitions, it is that point in the season where it feels like the manager is a bit over-exposed and news conferences seem a bit more flat.