Raheem Sterling Trains Away as Chelsea Coach Prefers Different Winger

Enzo Maresca's Shift in Plans for Raheem Sterling

In a surprising turn of events for Chelsea FC, head coach Enzo Maresca has decided to exclude Raheem Sterling from his future plans. The seasoned winger is currently training away from the first team, signaling a significant change in Chelsea's strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Raheem Sterling: Transfer Buzz and Career at Chelsea

Having joined Chelsea from Manchester City for a hefty £50 million in 2022, Sterling's career at Stamford Bridge appears to be coming to an unexpected halt. Maresca publicly announced last Friday that Sterling does not fit into his vision for the team, expressing a preference for a "different type of winger." This decision has the football community buzzing, as Sterling was a pivotal player during his stint at City.

Next Steps for Sterling

As speculation rises, many wonder what the next move will be for the England international. According to sources, Sterling is keen on remaining in the Premier League, and a move to Saudi Arabia isn’t likely as he values his family's stability in England. Conversations are expected between Chelsea and other clubs as they look to facilitate a permanent transfer before the transfer window closes on August 30.

Training Away from the First Team: A Major Shift

Sterling is not alone in this predicament. Chelsea's vice-captain, Ben Chilwell, also finds himself training away from the first team. During a press conference, Maresca emphasized the necessity of being forthright with players about their involvement in the squad. He stated, "I spoke with Raheem before the City game... he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us." This approach indicates a broader strategy as Chelsea aims to reshape their squad.

Changes in Jersey Numbers Indicate Future Directions

Another telling sign of Sterling's targeted exit is the reassignment of his No. 7 jersey to newly signed Pedro Neto, alongside Trevor Chalobah's No. 14 shirt being passed to Joao Felix. These shifts in jersey numbers highlight the growing anticipation of new signings overshadowing seasoned players at the club.

Joao Felix Joins the Ranks

Felix's return to Chelsea marks a significant moment for the team. He joins an already competitive squad that includes notable talents like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Mykhailo Mudryk. With Felix’s signing—valued up to £46.3 million—it remains to be seen how this impacts Sterling and Chilwell within the team structure.

Strategic Changes at Chelsea

Chelsea's management has been strategic in reshaping the team’s dynamics since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover. They've adopted a policy of lengthy contracts for new signings and are making tough decisions regarding player retention. Maresca stated, "I’m here to take decisions and think the best for us. I am not thinking about how many years are on the contracts." This comment underscores the urgency of adapting to new strategies to enhance team performance.

Gearing Up for a Potential Striker Signing

With the squad's dynamics rapidly evolving, Chelsea is identifying potential strikers to reinforce their attacking lineup. While Victor Osimhen from Napoli has been a target, the club is cautious about permanent deals given their current priorities.

Conclusion

The current upheaval within Chelsea FC, particularly concerning key players like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, highlights the strategic realignment under coach Enzo Maresca. As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on Chelsea to see how they navigate this complex situation while aiming for success in the Premier League.