The new football season is underway, and the drama that comes with it is unfolding as quickly as possible as new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca sent out a warning to England international Raheem Sterling.
Maresca, who joined the Blues from Leicester City this summer, seems to not be the biggest fan of Sterling, who moved to the Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in July 2022.
The Italian on Wednesday gave his verdict on the amount of playing time Sterling would get this season ahead of their Europa League playoff first leg against Swiss club Servette on Thursday.
“I’ve been honest, he will have no minutes here,” Maresca answered when asked about the possibility of Sterling playing for the Blues. “I am not saying Raheem [Sterling] is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers. It’s simple”.
“I spoke with Raheem one-on-one the day before City. I have nothing new to tell him… as I was quite clear. If he wants a chat again, I’ll tell him what I already told him”.
The former Sevilla and Juventus midfielder also touched on the trending topic surrounding the amount of players Chelsea currently have, following rumours around congestion in their training grounds.
“I am not working with 42 players. I am working with 21 players,” he said. “The other 15-20 players are training apart. I don’t see them.
“It’s not a mess like it looks from outside. Absolutely not. They can even have 20 years contract, it’s not my point. I don’t care”
Maresca, who led Leicester to triumph in the Championship, didn’t get off to a good start in his Chelsea managerial career following a 2-0 home defeat to City on Sunday.
The Blues will take on Servette on Thursday, before taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at the Molineux Stadium on Sunday.
