Maresca warns of 'problems' if Chelsea fail to reduce squad
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has warned that the club could face "problems" if it fails to reduce its oversized squad before the transfer window closes. The Blues have added 11 new players this summer, pushing the senior team's size to over 40 members. Maresca has already separated a group of approximately 15 players, including England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, from the main first-team group for training. Here are further details.
Maresca's training challenges with oversized squad
Maresca expressed the challenges of managing such a large team during training sessions. "At the moment, with the squad that we have, I am working with 22, 23 or 21 players - not with the 42 players, otherwise it is impossible," he stated as per BBC. He further emphasized that "It is impossible for any manager in the world to make a session with 45 players. You cannot do that."
Sterling's future at Chelsea remains uncertain
Sterling was not included in Maresca's first Premier League squad for the 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday. He also missed their Europa Conference League play-off first-leg win against Servette on Thursday. In response to a statement from Sterling's representatives seeking "clarity" about his future at Chelsea, Maresca said he had already made his position clear. Aston Villa are linked with a move for Sterling.
Maresca hopes for solutions before transfer window closes
Maresca expressed hope that solutions could be found for all players before the transfer window closes. "I just communicate the players that I like and the players I don't like and because there is one week, or 10 days, left of the transfer window, hopefully we can find solutions for all of them," he said. He warned that failure to do so could lead to problems within the club.
Chelsea beat Servette 2-0 in Conference League qualifier
Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke scored for Chelsea in the second half as the Blues beat Servette 2-0 to take a big step toward reaching the newly-expanded 36-team UEFA Conference League. Nkunku converted from the penalty spot before a superb strike from substitute Madueke gave Maresca his first win as Chelsea boss. Maresca was pleased as his side kept a clean sheet.
