"Managers are paid to make decisions, sometimes players don’t like it" - Enzo Maresca on dropping Sterling from Chelsea squad to face Manchester City
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has justified his decision to exclude Raheem Sterling from the matchday squad to face Manchester City. The English forward failed to even make the bench for the Blues' Premier League fixture against the Cityzens at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling signed for the Blues on a five-year contract for a reported fee of £47.5 million in the summer of 2022. The Englishman managed 10 goals and eight assists in 43 appearances for the west London club last season.
However, he wasn't included in the squad to take on the Cityzens on Sunday, August 18. Sterling's camp issued a statement following his omission, asking the club and the manager to provide clarity about his future at Stamford Bridge.
Here's what Sterling's camp said (via GOAL):
"Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with."
"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."
When asked to comment on the matter, Blues' manager Maresca labelled it a "technical decision".
Here's what he said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say. Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it."
The Blues' lineup also didn't feature Ben Chilwell while new signing Pedro Neto will start on the bench.
Pep Guardiola said his side have to be ready to take on Chelsea
In a press-conference before the clash against Chelsea, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated that while he wanted his players to have more rest, they must be ready for the upcoming encounter.
The former Barcelona manager said (via Manchester City website):
"I demand the best from Sunday against Chelsea. We know we have to take points as soon as possible and when the players are fitter and better physical condition, they have to be ready."
"I don’t know what will happen. Everyone knows we are not in the best conditions but it doesn’t matter, the desire and trying to do well and here control absolutely everything of luck."
The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League last season, while the Cityzens became the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles.