Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are currently training separately from Chelsea’s first team and believes both should depart
Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
Sterling was omitted from Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City over the weekend, prompting the England winger to seek ‘clarity’ from the club.
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Chilwell was also excluded from the first game of the season after Maresca, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s manager, acknowledged that he ‘probably’ should leave.
When asked for an update on the duo’s future during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Maresca stated: ‘They are training apart.
‘As I mentioned, the situation is quite clear and there hasn’t been any change.
‘They remain Chelsea players. As long as they are Chelsea players. But it’s not possible to give everyone playing time. Those who want minutes should consider leaving.
‘I try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the Manchester City match and explained that he’s likely to struggle for minutes with us, which is why.
‘With Chilly, he’s a great guy, but he will also struggle. If you consider this harsh, that’s up to you. To me, it’s not harsh, just honest.
‘I’m not saying Raheem isn’t a good player, but I prefer a different type of winger, and that’s the reason.
‘It’s an uncomfortable situation. I understand how it feels, but it’s important to know that if you stay, you’ll likely struggle to get minutes.’
Maresca is faced with the task of trimming down Chelsea’s oversized squad following another massive summer spending spree by the west London club.
On Wednesday, Portugal forward Joao Felix became the club’s latest summer acquisition, completing a £45m transfer from Atletico Madrid.
However, the decision to marginalize experienced England internationals Sterling and Chilwell has raised some eyebrows, including from the players themselves.
Since joining from Manchester City in 2022, Sterling has scored 19 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea, while Chilwell has featured in over 100 games since his £45m move from Leicester four years ago.
Earlier this summer, Chilwell was linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, while Sterling is reportedly attracting interest from several foreign clubs.
Regarding Felix’s arrival, who previously had an underwhelming loan stint at Chelsea, Maresca commented: ‘First and foremost, he’s a good player, a talent.
‘The club is already familiar with him from two years ago. He can play various positions with us—inside, as a number nine, outside.
‘Pedro [Neto] can play right wing, he can play left wing. Joao [Felix] can play as an attacking midfielder, a number nine, as a winger, and we have many games.’
Chelsea academy graduate Conor Gallagher finalized his £33m move to Atletico Madrid shortly before Maresca’s press conference.
The England midfielder, who joined Chelsea at the age of eight and often captained the team last season, has signed a five-year deal with the La Liga club.
‘All I can say is that this isn’t something new; it’s been in progress for days and weeks. It’s nothing sudden,’ Maresca remarked.
‘It’s not just Chelsea; many clubs are selling players from their academies. It’s very sad because we all love them, we all care about that.
‘Now, the rules have changed, and you have to sell your academy players. We must at least respect the rules.’
After losing 2-0 to Manchester City in their Premier League opener, Chelsea will aim to secure their first victory under Maresca on Thursday night when they face Servette in the Europa Conference League.
