Raheem Sterling told how to escape Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ in new twist
Raheem Sterling has been told what he must do to escape Enzo Maresca’s ‘bomb squad’ at Chelsea.
Sterling is training away from the main group at the West London club, along with outcast teammate Axel Disasi.
The Professional Footballers’ Association contacted Chelsea about their treatment of the two players, who Maresca doesn’t see in his future plans.
However, the PFA is currently happy with the situation, despite the apparent exile, and will continue to monitor from afar.
Raheem Sterling must take wage cut to leave Chelsea
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Sterling must take a wage cut in order to push through a Chelsea exit.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that the PFA don’t need to get involved with the ‘bomb squad’ situation, and that the former England international cannot complain about Maresca’s decision.
Sterling was linked with moves to Fulham and West Ham United over the summer transfer window, but his Chelsea departure ultimately fell through.
Wyness added that it is up to the Blues winger to find a solution to his current problem.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “If you really want to move and do something about it, then it’s up to you to take a pay cut.
“Most of us wouldn’t do that, and we understand it, but I’m afraid you can’t complain when the manager wants to keep a very tight first team squad and you don’t make it.
“Provided they’re keeping you fit and offering you all the resources that are available, although it may be a different time of day, I do not see that as hardship and pain.
“So I think the PFA should back off and they should be looking at more important things, like maybe trying to support his rehabilitation as a proper footballer, rather than worrying about what the club is doing.
“Maybe they should be getting some sports psychiatrists to work with Sterling and supporting him that way to get him back up there, rather than trying to take the battle to the club.
“That the bomb squad concept, I’m afraid, is there. There’s a carrot and a stick in football clubs. That’s the stick. And if you’re on the outside, then you’ve got to work hard to get back in.
“I’ve seen players do it before, and they get that rude awakening, and it can work. So life isn’t easy at that level. You’ve got to perform, and it’s tough. So accept it, get on with it, work harder and get yourself back in the manager’s thoughts.”
Sterling to miss out on Chelsea exit
Meanwhile, Celtic may not be able to sign Sterling from Chelsea due to his eye-watering wages, sources have told Football Insider.
The ex-Manchester City and Liverpool star’s high salary at Stamford Bridge put off several clubs during the summer window.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 20 September that Sterling could head to Celtic to be reunited with former manager Brendan Rodgers.
However, sources say that the Hoops are not in the financial position to be able to cover the former England international’s wages.
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