Chelsea Boss Maresca Responds as Sterling and Disasi Train Away From First Team

Enzo Maresca says he understands what Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi are going through. Both are training away from Chelsea’s main squad this week.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Sterling and Disasi are training separately for different reasons following Chelsea‘s big Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Chelsea lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, which has drawn concern as neither player is logging minutes in matches and both have been shut out from regular team activities. If squad unity deteriorates, Maresca would be forced to make a big decision.

THE CONTEXT BEHIND THE DECISION

Maresca said that he has been on both sides of this situation. As a player himself, he trained away from the main squad “many times” and knows “it’s not easy.” In fact, he plans to sit down with Sterling and Disasi on Friday to tell them “this is not the end of the world.” While promotion back to the first team isn’t a guarantee, Maresca noted that both players will become involved again, indicating “we need everybody in the squad available.” For now, though, Sterling and Disasi will continue building fitness to prepare for a role in an upcoming match.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Chelsea face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend in a match that could have huge table implications. For Maresca’s side to prevent that fate, he needs a much better performance than the one they displayed against Bayern Munich. Before midweek Champions League action gets underway, Chelsea will play at Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.