Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca clarified the situation involving Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, who are training separately from the first-team squad.
Maresca emphasized that his approach has been “honest” rather than “brutal” as he works to manage a squad with excess players.
“Brutal? I don’t think so. I try to be honest,” Maresca stated. He explained that he had informed Sterling before Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City that the winger would “struggle to get minutes,” leading to Sterling’s exclusion from the matchday squad.
Regarding Chilwell, Maresca indicated that he had been forthright about the defender’s challenges regarding his position within the squad.
Maresca also addressed concerns about managing an extensive roster, noting that claims of a 42-man squad should be revised. “More than 15 players are training apart; they are not with the team,” he clarified, suggesting that the situation is less chaotic than it may seem.
Chelsea is expected to see several departures, with the transfer window set to close on August 30.
In other team news, Reece James will miss the upcoming Conference League play-off against Servette due to injury.
At the same time, Joao Felix will be unavailable as he was not registered following his transfer from Atletico Madrid.
