Enzo Maresca tore into striker Liam Delap after Chelsea survived a second-half scare to beat Wolves 4-3 and reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea were cruising 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Estêvão, but things unraveled after Delap — returning from injury — was sent off for two needless bookings in seven minutes.
Wolves roared back through Tolu Arokodare and a late brace from David Møller Wolfe, but Jamie Gittens’ strike ensured Chelsea advanced to face Cardiff.
“It’s embarrassing,” Maresca said. “Two yellows in seven minutes — it’s stupid. After the first, I told him four or five times to keep calm, but he doesn’t listen. He needs to grow up.”
The Italian manager admitted his young side “panicked” after Wolves’ fightback, adding: “It’s part of the journey — this team has to mature.”
Wolves boss Vítor Pereira praised his side’s spirit despite the loss: “To come back like that shows we have the character to turn our season around. We just need one win to believe again.”
