Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca emphasizes the need for better game management

Chelsea must improve their game management and develop strategies for managing high-pressure situations, manager Enzo Maresca stated after Marc Cucurella's late dismissal in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford.

Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson were the scorers as Chelsea achieved their fifth consecutive league win, narrowing the gap to league leaders Liverpool to just two points.

Nevertheless, Chelsea allowed a goal in the dying moments against Brentford, and Cucurella received a second yellow card after an incident with forward Kevin Schade for exhibiting "an aggressive demeanor."

This season, Chelsea leads the league with a total of 50 yellow cards.

"Certainly, the goal we conceded and the closing moments of the match are aspects we must manage more effectively," Maresca remarked.

"I believe this serves as a learning experience for the players to enhance their skills.

"However, overall, given the team's spirit, we understand that such occurrences can happen. Regarding the second yellow card, it was likely not the appropriate action, but these are areas we need to address."

The Italian manager commended Cucurella’s performance against Brentford, both defensively and offensively.

"Cucurella was exceptional on and off the ball... along with the other ten players, they performed brilliantly. We are pleased and thrilled with Marc's display."

Maresca also indicated that midfielder Romeo Lavia is anticipated to return from injury for next Sunday’s match against Everton, while Joao Felix will be available for their Conference League encounter with Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.

Defender Benoit Badiashile is expected to be sidelined due to an injury sustained during training, he added.