Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca, has expressed his desire to retain Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge, despite acknowledging that the club’s overcrowded squad could result in some unforeseen departures.
Maresca, who emphasized Sterling’s value to the team during pre-season, made the unexpected decision to leave the winger out of his lineup for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
This move sparked a prompt response from Sterling’s representatives, although it was clarified that their statement was not issued shortly before kick-off but rather in response to rumours circulating in the days leading up to the match.
The statement only emerged after Sterling’s exclusion from the squad became official.
Maresca referred to the decision as purely “technical,” but when pressed on whether he anticipated Sterling remaining at the club by the end of the transfer window, his answer was less definitive.
“I don’t know,” Maresca admitted. “The only thing I can say is that it was a technical decision, and we will sit down and clarify the situation soon, but it’s nothing more than that.
“For all the players, they are Chelsea players. If they are going to stay at Chelsea, then we will try to use them, but this was just a technical decision. I want Raheem Sterling, just as I want all the 30 players we have. But there isn’t enough space for all of them. So, unfortunately, some of them will have to leave.”
In addition to Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Axel Disasi were also left out of the squad.
Chilwell’s absence was expected, given Maresca’s earlier comments suggesting the left-back should consider a move elsewhere. However, the exclusion of Chukwuemeka and Disasi raised concerns about their futures with the club.
Maresca explained that Disasi’s omission was due to the defender not being fully fit ahead of the match.
However, regarding Chukwuemeka, the manager hinted that the 20-year-old might benefit from a fresh start away from Chelsea.
“I think every case is different,” Maresca explained. “Carney is a very talented player, but due to some past injuries, I believe the best thing for him would be to play 30 or 35 games in a row to prove to himself that he is fit and to showcase his abilities because he is very good. Will he get that many games with us? I’m not sure.”
These developments have added uncertainty around several players’ futures as Chelsea navigates the challenges of managing a large squad under Maresca’s leadership.
