Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford, Maresca dismissed suggestions of unfair treatment.
“I’ve been in Raheem’s situation and Axel’s situation as a player. I know it’s not the best feeling because every player wants to train and play. But the club is giving them the chance to work properly, and that’s all I can say. It’s the same everywhere in the world, if you’re not part of the squad, you’re not involved.”
While FIFA rules prevent clubs from isolating players in abusive ways that could allow early contract termination, Maresca insisted Chelsea’s approach was professional and fair.
Maresca’s Tough Stance on Sterling and Disasi
The Italian manager showed little sympathy when pressed further, drawing a sharp comparison with his own family’s working-class background:
“My father is 75 years old, and for 50 years he’s been a fisherman, working from two in the morning until ten in the morning. That is sad in life, not the situation Raheem and Axel are in.”
Alejandro Garnacho Set for First Chelsea Start
Amid the Sterling and Disasi situation, Chelsea fans are set to witness a positive development as winger Alejandro Garnacho is expected to make his first Blues start against Manchester United.
Maresca praised the young Argentine’s adaptation:
“You have to learn to handle these things. We’re happy with how he’s adapting, and I think he’s ready to start.”
Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford promises to be one of the most talked-about fixtures this weekend. While Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi remain sidelined from the squad, Maresca is putting faith in rising talents like Garnacho to carry Chelsea forward in the new Premier League campaign.
