Disasi and Sterling have been isolated from the first team, training separately and using separate locker rooms and dining facilities. Disasi previously posted a picture of the makeshift locker room designated for players excluded from Chelsea's plans.
Sterling recently revealed on Instagram that he was scheduled to train at 8 p.m., disrupting his family life. The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) intervened, resulting in his training schedule being adjusted to midday with the U21 team.
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Manager Enzo Maresca (right) and his father Pasquale celebrate after Chelsea's UEFA Conference League triumph in the 2024-2025 season. Photo: The Guardian |
Manager Enzo Maresca (right) and his father Pasquale celebrate after Chelsea's UEFA Conference League triumph in the 2024-2025 season. Photo: The Guardian
In a press conference before Chelsea's Premier League match against Man Utd, Maresca showed little sympathy for his two players. "My father is 75 years old and has spent 50 years at sea, working as a fisherman from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. That's real hardship, not the life of a footballer and how they work," he said.
The Italian manager acknowledged that he had experienced similar exclusion during his playing career but considered it a normal situation. "When the club and a player can't find a solution, the important thing is that the club still provides full training facilities," Maresca stated. "But if you're not in the plans, you won't be in the squad. That's how it is at any club in the world."
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Manager Enzo Maresca speaks with Raheem Sterling during Chelsea's pre-season match against Man City in the USA for the 2024-2025 season. Photo: Chelsea FC |
Manager Enzo Maresca speaks with Raheem Sterling during Chelsea's pre-season match against Man City in the USA for the 2024-2025 season. Photo: Chelsea FC
Sterling was once a top player in England, having played for Liverpool and Man City before joining Chelsea for 61.5 million USD in the summer of 2022. The English midfielder still has two years left on his contract with a weekly salary of 440,000 USD. Disasi was acquired by Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 for 50 million USD, signing a contract until 2029.
Both players sought transfers during the summer 2025 window but were unsuccessful. Sterling preferred a permanent move to another Premier League club, while Disasi wanted to return to France.
Maresca also dismissed suggestions that Chelsea are favorites against 14th-placed Man Utd, especially playing away at Old Trafford. The last time "The Blues" won at this stadium was in 5/2013.
"Playing at Man Utd is always difficult," Maresca said. "I don't think now is the right time, or next year will be the right time to play Man Utd. They are always a difficult club to play against, and this is a difficult stadium."
Maresca also expressed sympathy for Ruben Amorim, praising his counterpart as an excellent manager. "Managers can have difficulties, whether small or large, at a new club. But I have no doubt that Amorim is an excellent manager. I really respect Amorim and watched his matches when he was at Sporting."
Hong Duy (The Guardian)
