Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, sparked debate with blunt remarks about Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, as reported by The Guardian. Removed from the first team, the pair train at separate facilities away from the main campus. Maresca, unmoved, claimed their situations cannot be compared to his father’s 50 years as a fisherman who worked 2am to 10am, and that real difficulties exist outside the world of football.
Let’s explore this analysis of Enzo Maresca’s opinion and how it reflects on players like Sterling and Disasi, who now find themselves as outcasts
Sterling and Disasi’s Exile
Sterling, who came in 2022 for £50m, and Disasi, bought for £38.7m in 2023, will not be moving this summer. Sterling turned down loan offers from Napoli, Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen, as he wants a permanent transfer, per transfer speculation reports. Disasi thought about going back to France, but it didn’t happen. Now, they practice with the under-21 team at strange times, so the PFA stepped in to ask for better times.
Maresca, based on his own time as a player, didn’t feel bad for them. He said that clubs all over the world treat players who are not in favor the same way: they give them what they need to practice but don’t let them be part of the team. Sterling makes £325,000 a week until 2027, and Disasi’s contract goes until 2029, but both of them don’t know what will happen next.
Chelsea’s Broader Context – Enzo Maresca’s Call on Sterling and Disasi
Maresca’s comments come as Chelsea prepare for Manchester United, with squad updates noting Cole Palmer’s fitness and Marc Guiu’s return. His retention for the 2025/26 season, as confirmed in a prior media report, signals stability. Yet, his handling of Sterling and Disasi raises questions about squad harmony.
The PFA’s involvement highlights potential breaches of FIFA’s player treatment rules. Chelsea’s youth-focused rebuild under Maresca demands cohesion, but sidelining talents risks unrest.
Author’s Note: A Cold Approach
While Maresca’s fishing comparison is colorful, it seems a bit harsh on Sterling and Disasi, who are struggling. He has a clear idea for Chelsea’s direction, but pushing away established players could be a mistake. He needs to find the right mix of young and experienced players. What he does with Sterling and Disasi will be a factor in how well he does as manager.
