Enzo Maresca says it’s ‘better for players to leave Chelsea’ if they want to play football

Players are not happy

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have made a significant amount of signings in this transfer window leaving some players and pundits frustrated with the club.

With such a large squad, players are questioning where they fit into Maresca’s plan, none more so than Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell who are currently training separately to the rest of the squad.

Sterling was left out of Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City at the weekend, leaving him asking for ‘clarity’ from the club.

Chilwell was also omitted prompting Maresca to admit that he should ‘probably’ leave.

The manager, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge over summer, was speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s game against Servette.

He said: “As I said, the situation is quite clear and there is not any update on the situation.

“They are Chelsea players. Until they are Chelsea players. But it’s possible to give them all minutes. Those who want minutes, they are better off to leave.

“I try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the Man City game. I said he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason.”

He moved on to Chilwell saying: “With Chilly, he is a lovely guy but he will struggle. If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.

“I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers and this is the reason why.

“It’s not a comfortable situation. I know exactly the feeling but it’s good to know that if you stay you are going to struggle to get minutes.”

It looks likely that both players will be out of the door before the transfer window closes next week as Chelsea’s changing room becomes overcrowded.

Sterling has scored 19 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City in 2022.

Chilwell has played over 100 games for the Blues since arriving from Leicester four years ago.

He has been linked with a move to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United while Sterling is believed to have interest from abroad.

Meanwhile, Portuguese forward Joao Felix became the club’s latest addition on Wednesday as he completed a £45m move from Atletico Madrid.