Raheem Sterling releases CONTROVERSIAL statement after being left out by Enzo Maresca from squad to face Manchester City

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling was excluded from the squad, prompting his representatives to question manager Enzo Maresca's decision.

Raheem Sterling releases CONTROVERSIAL statement after being left out by Enzo Maresca from squad to face Manchester City

Raheem Sterling was left out of Chelsea's squad against Manchester City. (via The Independent)

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling was surprisingly left out of the club’s squad during their defeat to Manchester City. The 29-year-old’s representative, following his omission, issued a statement questioning manager Enzo Maresca‘s decision.

Chelsea’s 42-player massive squad has become a problem before the start of the new season. New manager Enzo Maresca, facing a selection challenge, left out veteran forward Raheem Sterling for their first EPL match. The club’s recent spending spree has resulted in a surplus of attacking talent. Moreover, the Englishman, who had a disappointing last season, faces intense competition from Mykhailo Mudryk and new signing Pedro Neto. 

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The forward’s representatives, through a statement, voiced surprise at his exclusion. They emphasized that Sterling had a strong pre-season and maintained a positive relationship with the new manager, yet was still left out. Despite his omission, they reaffirmed the player’s commitment to the club, while hoping to get clarity regarding his situation at Stamford Bridge.

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Our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity... We look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.
Raheem Sterling’s representatives on his omission (via The Mirror)

The 29-year-old wasn’t the only one excluded from Chelsea’s squad against Manchester City. Full-back Ben Chilwell, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, and Romelu Lukaku, were also left out, casting further doubt on their futures at the club.

Enzo Maresca reacts to Raheem Sterling’s comments on being left out of Chelsea’s recent matchday squad

Newly appointed Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted uncertainty about Raheem Sterling’s future at the club in response to the controversy surrounding his omission. This comes after their Premier League 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca on Raheem Sterling
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca (R) responded to Raheem Sterling’s (L) omission from squad against Man City. (via BBC)

The Italian manager explained that Sterling’s exclusion from the Chelsea squad was purely a tactical choice. However, Maresca also admitted uncertainty about Sterling’s future at the club beyond the current transfer window. While he expressed a desire to retain Sterling in the squad, he recognized the necessity of trimming the squad size.

The only thing I can say is that it was a technical decision. 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.
Enzo Maresca on Raheem Sterling’s omission (via The Guardian)

Additionally, Sterling’s bold public statement might strain his relationship with the ex-Leicester City manager. The winger had previously turned down a substantial transfer offer from Saudi Arabia.

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