Maresca Diplomatic On Sterling’s Future At Stamford Bridge

By: Gyang Dakwo

Chelsea Manager, Enzo Maresca has refused to rule out the possibility that Raheem Sterling may leave Chelsea before the end of the summer.

Sterling was omitted from Chelsea’s squad for their opening Premier League game against Manchester City on Sunday, prompting the striker’s representatives to release a statement in which they asked for “clarity” about his future at the club.

The 29-year-old had featured in all six of the team’s pre-season matches and there was an “expectation” he would be involved in the match against his former club.

However, speaking after The Blues were beaten 2-0 by City in his first competitive game in charge, Maresca explained that Sterling had been left out of the squad for tactical reasons.

“To be honest, I didn’t see the statement,” he told Sky Sports. “I have nothing to say.
“It was a tactical decision, no more than that. In the next day, we will clarify in case we need to. I have been clear, it’s a tactical decision.

“I didn’t see it [Sterling statement].”

In his post-match press conference, Maresca was asked if Sterling could leave this summer.

“I want Raheem Sterling but I want all the 30 players we have. But there is no space for all of them. So for some of them, they have to leave,” he told reporters.

After watching his side fall to defeat to the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge, Maresca paid tribute to the club where he formerly worked as a coach under manager Pep Guardiola.

“You can see since day one that they continue in the same way. They are a master in everything and they’ll continue in this same way,” Maresca told BBC Match of the Day.

Erling Haaland gave City the lead in the 18th minute and Mateo Kovacic wrapped up the victory six minutes before time.

Maresca was also complimentary about his own team’s performance but he bemoaned a toothless display in attack.

“The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world.

“We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. We don’t like to lose games but the performance was good.

“We can for sure improve many things, we’ve been together for just six weeks. At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It’s not easy but we did well.

“It’s always tough because many of them deserve to play from the start. We have another game soon so they have chances to play for sure.”

Chelsea are back in action on Thursday against Swiss side Servette in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off