Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Newcastle United last weekend was a costly mistake, as his side prepares to face Manchester United on Friday.
The Blues are currently fifth in the Premier League standings, and Maresca knows that winning their final two matches will guarantee them a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Reflecting on the incident at St. James’ Park, Maresca defended the young striker but admitted the situation needs addressing.
“I think Nico is intelligent enough to recognise there has been a mistake,” he said.
“I think against Newcastle, it was our first red card of the season. We try to be intense and aggressive. I don’t know, to be honest. It’s a good question and one we need to analyse in the summer to see if we can do anything better.”
Maresca emphasized that age should not be an excuse for errors, adding, “For me, it’s not about the age.
“No matter the age, you make a mistake it is okay because we all make mistakes. If you make the mistake again, then it is probably not the best.”
As Chelsea head into the crucial clash with United, Maresca made it clear that his side will approach the game with full focus.
“We need to see the yellow cards we can avoid next season. It’s normal that after a red card, the light is on Nico but overall it is something that is not about Newcastle or the first game of the season, it is something you need to avoid if you can avoid.”
