Enzo Maresca slammed for ‘desperately poor’ situation at Chelsea as ‘harsh’ claim made
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is coming under increasing scrutiny at the club for a situation he has created.
Robert Sanchez’s early red card at Man United dealt Maresca a blow in Chelsea‘s 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
Maresca’ side have now gone three games without a win following a draw at Brentford and Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat at Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The Italian is also facing questions on the club’s treatment of two players behind the scenes, as scrutiny intensifies at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea slammed for Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi treatment
Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi are members of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ and have not been involved in first team affairs this season.
The Professional Footballer’s Association [PFA] have now been in talks with Chelsea over the club’s treatment of both players.
In The Times [20 September], Martin Samuel believes the treatment of the duo is “desperately poor.”
“The manner in which Chelsea are treating Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi — the two most high-profile members of what is known as the bomb squad — is desperately poor, and the Professional Footballers’ Association is justified in getting involved,” Samuel said.
“Sterling and Disasi have been told to train on their own away from the first team. A social media post from Sterling this week suggested he was working under floodlights at 8.21pm.
“If this is not his choice it is harsh and demeaning. There is no evidence that either player has transgressed beyond being unable to make Enzo Maresca’s squad.
“That they are still being paid, or have a better life than Maresca’s fisherman dad, is not the point. If these players are not disruptive, Chelsea should at least treat them with dignity — or how can they expect dignified and correct behaviour from their team-mates in return?“
Chelsea could pay off Sterling’s contract to be able to get rid of the player, whilst Celtic have emerged as the latest club interested in acquiring his services.
Brendan Rodgers lines up Sterling reunion
There looks to be no way back at Chelsea for either Sterling or Disasi whilst Maresca is still the manager at the club.
Sterling continues to be linked with numerous club, with Celtic the next to express interest, as Brendan Rodgers managed the winger previously at Liverpool.
| Raheem Sterling | Stats |
| Appearances | 126 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 18 |
It is no secret that Rodgers will continue to add to his attacking options at the club when the January window arises.
Celtic’s biggest stumbling block may be the high wages Sterling would demand, unless a compromise was made by the 30-year-old.