Maresca, speaking in advance of Chelsea’s crucial Europa Conference League play-off against Servette, highlighted the direct and transparent approach he’s adopted in communicating with the duo. He emphasized that the conversations were necessary to ensure clarity regarding their future at the club.
“They are training apart,” Maresca stated during his pre-match press conference, making it evident that their status at the club has shifted. “The situation is quite clear, and there is not any update. They are Chelsea players until they are not, but it’s impossible to give them all minutes. Those who want minutes are better off leaving.”
The manager also revealed that he had a conversation with Raheem Sterling before the match against Manchester City, informing him that he would likely struggle to secure playing time under his management. A similar discussion was held with Ben Chilwell. Maresca stressed that these talks weren’t meant to be harsh but rather to offer honest assessments of their standing within the team.
Both Sterling and Chilwell, who have been training separately from the main squad, were noticeably missing from Chelsea’s recent matchday squad in their 2-0 loss to Manchester City. Their exclusion has fueled speculation that they may be on the brink of leaving the club.
Additionally, neither player was included in Chelsea’s A-list squad for the upcoming Conference League campaign, further suggesting that their futures may lie elsewhere. Reports have indicated that Sterling is particularly eager to secure a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.
This potential shake-up in Chelsea’s squad comes at a time when the club is actively restructuring, having recently confirmed the acquisition of João Félix from Atlético Madrid for a substantial fee of £42.6 million. The Portuguese forward’s arrival marks Chelsea’s tenth signing of the summer transfer window.
In the midst of these changes, Chelsea has also bid farewell to long-serving midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has joined Atlético Madrid in a £34 million deal after spending 15 years at the club.
