Raheem Sterling’s camp has demanded clarity over the striker’s future and role after he was left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad against Manchester City on Sunday (18/8/2024). Chelsea were beaten 0-2 by four-time Premier League champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic in each half ensured new manager Enzo Maresca’s competitive debut ended in defeat. However, drama had already ensued shortly after Maresca announced the 20-man squad. Raheem Sterling’s absence from the squad prompted his side to react.
This is the first time Sterling has not played in the opening game of a season since 2012. Therefore, the striker’s camp has demanded clarity over his future at the club. Chelsea’s squad is indeed overflow with 42 players registered according to their website, including 11 summer purchases who came with a dowry of almost 200 million pounds.
“As a club, we have always been in positive dialogue with, and have received assurances from, Chelsea FC regarding Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to getting clarity on this situation,” a statement from Sterling’s representatives read, as quoted by the BBC. “Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the season positively.”
Asked about his decision not to include Sterling in the matchday squad, Maresca told Sky Sports that there was nothing unusual about it. “The manager has to make decisions. Sometimes players don’t like it, that’s normal,” he said. “It’s just a technical decision, nothing more than that.”
Sterling’s decision to make the statement before the match was also criticised by England pundit and former Man City player Micah Richards. “Making a statement before the game is not good enough. It doesn’t help your team-mates or your case to get back in the team,” he said. “The manager didn’t pick him and he has to deal with that.”
“I want Raheem Sterling but I want all the 30 players we have,” said Maresca, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino this summer. “But there is no space for all of them. So for some of them, they have to leave.”
Sterling himself still has a three-year contract with The Blues. Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022.
