Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca, has provided a clear explanation regarding Raheem Sterling’s diminished role at Stamford Bridge this season.
Despite Sterling’s past contributions, he has not been included in Chelsea’s matchday squads so far and is currently training separately from the main group as he awaits a potential transfer.
Maresca, who has previously worked with Sterling during their time at Manchester City, emphasized during a press conference, held two days before the closure of the summer transfer window, that his decision is purely tactical rather than personal.
He reiterated his respect for Sterling as a player but noted that the winger does not fit into his tactical plans.
“I said already many times, he is a fantastic person. The only thing is that every manager has a different idea. He is not the type of winger I like. That says nothing about Raheem. The history and the numbers speak for Raheem,” Maresca stated, underscoring that the exclusion is based solely on his tactical preferences.
In recent days, Sterling has been linked with a move to Manchester United, which has caught many by surprise.
However, the possibility of Sterling joining Erik ten Hag’s squad has been raised, especially if United’s Jadon Sancho were to leave.
Chelsea has been rumoured to have an interest in Sancho, although there were also reports that United had reached an agreement for a loan move with Juventus for the 24-year-old winger.
When asked about the potential signing of Sancho, Maresca kept his response brief, stating, “If we can sign a player that can help us, for sure I would. Jadon is not our player. I know him very well. But he is not our player.”
In addition to the ongoing speculation surrounding Sterling and Sancho, Chelsea remains in pursuit of a new striker before the transfer window closes.
The club currently relies heavily on 18-year-old Marc Guiu as the only alternative to Nicolas Jackson, who has been leading the line. Despite the club’s search for additional forward options, Maresca made it clear that Jackson remains a key part of his plans.
“I didn’t speak to Nicolas about this,” Maresca explained. “I had a meeting with Nicolas yesterday but just about the amount of good things he is doing with us. I don’t think Nicolas needs a chat. He is our nine, our striker in this moment. We are very happy with him.”
As the transfer window draws to a close, Chelsea’s intentions to reshape their squad continue to be a major talking point, with Sterling’s future at the club and the potential arrivals of Sancho and a new striker being closely watched.
