LONDON (Reuters) – New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fuelled speculation about Raheem Sterling’s future at Stamford Bridge by leaving the winger out of the squad for the away game against Manchester City on Sunday and suggesting some players may have to leave.
“I want Raheem Sterling, but I want all 30 players we have, but there is not enough space for everyone, so some will have to go,” Maresca said after the 2-0 defeat when asked about the former England striker’s absence.
The Italian said Sterling’s omission was a “technical” decision.
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Shortly before kick-off, Sterling’s representatives issued a statement saying that the player had a good working relationship with Maresca and was determined to perform for Chelsea.
“Given his mention in the club’s official pre-match material this week, we assumed that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s match in some capacity,” the statement said.
“As a camp, we have always maintained a positive dialogue with Chelsea FC and received assurances from him regarding Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to getting clarity on the situation.”
Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022, but his form was inconsistent throughout much of his time at Stamford Bridge and he was not included in England’s squad for Euro 2024.
(Reporting by William Schomberg; Editing by Clare Fallon)
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