Enzo Maresca Defends Chelsea’s Squad Decisions Amid Sterling and Chilwell’s Exclusion from First Team Training

Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca has come out strongly to support the decision he made to leave out Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell from the first-team training session. Before the match against Servette in the UEFA Conference League play-off, Maresca said that the club’s plan is much from the ‘mess' that some people think, adding that he is not brutal, and he tries to be sincere in his choices.

Maresca, who came to Stamford Bridge when the club embarked on a shopping spree, said he has chosen the players he wanted for the season. As such, some big stars, such as Sterling and Chilwell, have been benched. These players, among other than 15 more, are training away from the first team squad at the moment.

The decision as to Sterling In particular has been most contentious. Sterling’s representatives have questioned why the England international was left out of the matchday squad for Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City – a game that was particularly personal for the forward who shined at the Etihad Stadium. But Maresca said he was honest with Sterling telling him that he will not get much playing time this season.

 The Italian told the press in a media conference: ‘I talked to Raheem before the Manchester City match and told him that he would not be able to play much with us. ’. "It’s not brutal, it’s honest. The same goes for Chilly [Chilwell]. He’s a great guy, but given his position, he’s going to find it hard to get on the pitch. We have to make tough decisions to keep the squad competitive."

Maresca further addressed the speculation surrounding Chelsea’s squad size, which has been criticized due to the club’s ambitious transfer moves. While acknowledging that managing a large squad is challenging, he insisted that he has whittled the first-team group down to a manageable size. "I’m not working with 42 players like it might seem from the outside," Maresca explained. "I’m training with 21 players. It’s not a mess. Those not involved in the first team know where they stand, and they are aware that they can leave if they want more minutes elsewhere."

In addition to Sterling and Chilwell, other valuable players like Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga also remain on Chelsea’s books but are not currently integrated into the first-team setup. Maresca reiterated that as long as these players are under contract with Chelsea, they are still considered part of the club, but their futures may lie elsewhere. "Until they leave, they are Chelsea players. But if they want more minutes, they should move on."

While Maresca is yet to transform his squad for the next season, which the team is going to be very busy, the Blues have their attention on the game against Servette in the two-legged match. Fans who are willing to attend the match live are advised to purchase their tickets for the Chelsea match early. Maresca’s team will also come up against Wolves in the Premier League this weekend and fans are keen on seeing what kind of performance his trimmed-down squad will deliver both in the domestic league and the Champions League.

As the club continues to find its feet with the recent changes and major decisions still outstanding, it is time for the fans to get behind the Blues. As usual, Chelsea tickets stand as the passport to the passion as the club continues to forge ahead under Maresca.

To get the best prices and availability for Chelsea tickets, the fans can go to reliable sources so that they do not miss the important matches ahead.