August 18th 2024.
Raheem Sterling, a talented forward for Chelsea, was left out of the matchday squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester City. This came as a surprise to the 29-year-old, who was expecting to be selected after scoring against City in both their previous matches. However, Sterling was not the only notable absentee, as other players such as Conor Gallagher, Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, and Ben Chilwell were also left out. There have been rumors that these players may be leaving Chelsea before the transfer deadline.
Sterling joined Chelsea in 2022 for a record-breaking fee of £47.5 million, but has struggled to live up to expectations in his two seasons with the club. In his debut season, he only managed to score nine goals in 38 games, and last season, he only improved upon that by one goal. With the arrival of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, there was hope that Sterling could revive his career at Chelsea. However, his omission from the matchday squad has raised questions about his future with the club.
Despite being labeled an "important player" by Pochettino during pre-season, Sterling's future at Chelsea remains uncertain. His camp stated that he has been working hard in individual training and has a good relationship with the new coach. They also mentioned that they have always had positive dialogue with the club regarding Sterling's future. However, with his exclusion from the squad and uncertainty surrounding his role, Sterling is seeking clarity from the club.
In his pre-match interview, Pochettino explained that the decision to omit Sterling and Chilwell was purely technical and nothing more. He acknowledged that these decisions may not be liked by everyone, but it is part of a manager's job. As for Sterling, he is tied into a contract with Chelsea until 2027 and did not make the cut for the Euro 2024 squad. However, he remains hopeful that Pochettino will be able to bring out the best in him and the team.
Sterling expressed his confidence in Pochettino's abilities and stated that the team is adapting quickly to his tactics. Although their results may not have been pleasing thus far, Sterling can see the potential in the team and believes that good times are ahead. As the Premier League season approaches, Sterling is optimistic about the future and is committed to delivering at the highest level for the club and its fans.
In the end, Sterling's omission from the squad may have caused some confusion and uncertainty, but both he and the club are eager to find a resolution. With positive dialogue and support from the club, Sterling is hopeful that he can start the new season on a positive note. As for Chelsea, they will be facing a tough match against Manchester City, and Maresca is determined to get off to a good start. It remains to be seen how things will unfold, but one thing is for sure, Sterling's future at Chelsea is still up in the air.
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