Maresca gives unwanted Chelsea players an extra push towards the exit

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 10:54, 29 Aug 2024

Enzo Maresca has increased the pressure on several Chelsea players. The London club hopes to offload a few more players in the final days of the transfer window.

Chelsea is currently dealing with an overabundance of players in their first-team squad, a situation that has prompted manager Enzo Maresca to take decisive action.

With 39 players on the roster, the club faces a significant challenge in managing such a large group. The rules allow only 11 players to be on the field at any given time and an additional 9 on the bench, leaving many without a place in the matchday squad.

Among those who appear to be surplus to requirements under Maresca are Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, and Raheem Sterling. Maresca, known for his straightforward approach, has made it clear that these players do not feature in his plans for the season. "I don’t think they need my advice," he stated during a press conference. "They know exactly what they need to do. I prefer to be honest with my players. Those who haven’t been involved in the recent matches are all players who will not be involved in the near future and will not get any minutes if they stay."

This clear message from Maresca underscores the club’s intention to streamline the squad, ensuring that only those who are actively contributing remain. In the opening match of the Premier League season against Manchester City, Maresca's selection decisions were evident as he left 21 players at home, emphasizing the challenge of managing such a bloated roster.

The situation is further complicated by transfer speculation, particularly around Raheem Sterling. The winger, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City, has been linked with a potential move to Manchester United. As the transfer window approaches its closing days, Chelsea is expected to be active in the market, both in terms of offloading surplus players and possibly bringing in new faces who align more closely with Maresca’s vision for the team.

Overall, Chelsea is in a period of transition, and how the club manages this situation will be crucial for their success in the coming season. The pressure is on for those not in Maresca’s plans to find new clubs or face the prospect of limited playing time.