Enzo Maresca was missing a post-match press conference after being sent off during a clash between Chelsea and Liverpool. The Italian manager was fired to enthusiastically celebrate the winner of Bruce’s dramatic suspension time from Estevao Willian. Maresca had been warned earlier for his animation protest when Alejandro Garnacho was denied a penalty decision.
The Bruce Chief was far more festive at the final moments of the encounter. The 45-year-old couldn’t contain his feelings when Estebao hit the delivery to the box of Mark Kukulera. Maresca indicted him from his technical field, joined his players at the celebrations, nearly reaching the supporters of Stamford Bridge.
Introduced in 2023, the Football Association’s Touchline Implementation Guidelines prevent managers or head coaches receiving the red card from fulfilling standard media duties after the game. Maresca’s Deputy Willie Caballero intervened to handle the duties in the absence of a manager.
The Chelsea coach provided a perspective on Maresca’s firing after a thrilling victory. “It’s special for any manager and you can’t keep up with what you feel,” he said. “Unfortunately, he was already yellow.
“We’re all human. We were players. We want to see it. Certainly we all can learn from it.”
Former goalkeeper Caballero added: “He’s fine. He’s very happy right now. Of course he can’t be here now, but we’re very happy that we scored three points in the last seconds. We’re so happy and proud.
“The players have done a great job. It’s a good break for many of them now. And I hope we can recover a few more players and start a new cycle of games with energy.”
Chelsea had previously taken the lead through an epic strike from Moises Caseco before Cody Gappo leveled the issue in the second half.
Maresca’s men were under intense pressure, but they pushed hard for the final stage victory, and were ultimately rewarded with their tenacity.
The fire marks the third red card in many matches for the Blues. Trevo Charova was given a march order against Brighton, and Joa Pedro received two yellow cards compared to Benfica.
Caballero was pleased with the unity of his team. “We’re suffering from another red card today lol, but we’re going to end strongly,” he said. “We are a good team that plays football and we know that we create opportunities in the first half.
“We deserve our second goal in the second half. The way we fought today, four full-backs on the back four are incredible. We are all very proud of our players. We are not looking for excuses, we will find a solution.”
