Chelsea boss Maresca urges Sterling and Chilwell to find a new team

Raheem Sterling's absences from Chelsea's squad lists will no longer make the headlines. Enzo Maresca was clear about his player's future at a press conference and made it clear that he is not counting on the winger for next season.

"The situation with both of them is quite clear. We have a big squad and it's impossible for everyone to have playing time. If they want to play, it's better that they leave," said the Italian coach, including Ben Chilwell in the equation.

The Blues new boss played down talk surrounding the London side about the pile-up of players allegedly in training sessions. "It's not true that we are working with 42 players, we are only carrying out sessions with 21 players. The rest, the other 15-20, are training apart. I don't see them, it's not the mess that is perceived from the outside", explained Maresca.

Regarding Sterling and Chilwell, the Italian wanted to play down his decision: "I don't think it's something brutal. I'm just trying to be honest. I spoke to Raheem before the Manchester City game and I told him it was going to be difficult for him to get minutes with us.

"He's a lovely person, but he's going to suffer because of the high competition in his position. If you think this is brutal, that's your business. I don't think Raheem is a bad player, but I prefer other wingers and that's the main reason," Maresca concluded ahead of the Conference League play-off tie against Servette, for which he has evidently not counted on the England international.

 

August 21, 2024