Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are among a group of 15 players training away from the first team. Maresca has been working with a smaller group of 21 players on a daily basis, and he believes those players who are looking for more minutes are better off finding a new club. While the current situation may not be comfortable for those players, Maresca insists that it will be better for all parties involved in the long run. Meanwhile, new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says the team has to remain focused and not let any outside factors distract them from their main goal of performing on the field.
Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are among a group of 15 players training away from the first team.
The decision comes after Maresca evaluated the squad following the arrival of several high-profile summer signings.
Background
Chelsea has undergone a significant squad overhaul since the end of last season, with the departures of several key players and the addition of new recruits including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella.
With a large and talented squad, Maresca has sought to streamline his options by identifying players who may not feature regularly in the first team.
Players Training Away
The group of 15 players training away from the main squad includes:
Maresca's Comments
Maresca explained his decision to separate these players from the first team:
"We have a large squad and we need to create a competitive environment. Some players are clearly not in my plans for the immediate future. It's important for them to find a new club where they can get regular game time."
"This may not be a comfortable situation for them, but it will be better for all parties in the long run. It's not personal - it's simply a footballing decision."
Impact on Sterling and Chilwell
Sterling, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City this summer for £47.5 million, was expected to be a key part of Maresca's team. However, his recent form has been disappointing, and he has struggled to secure a regular starting berth.
Chilwell, meanwhile, has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons. He has not played a competitive match since May 2022.
Focus and Determination
Despite the departures, new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall insists that the team remains focused and determined.
"There are a lot of changes going on, but we have to stay professional and focus on our own performances," he said.
"We all want to play regularly, but the most important thing is to perform when we get the chance. We have a lot of quality in the squad, and we believe we can achieve our goals this season."
1. Why are Sterling and Chilwell training away from the first team?
They are not in Maresca's immediate plans for the team.
2. How many players are training away from the first team?
15 players in total.
3. What is Maresca's goal with this decision?
To create a more competitive environment and allow players who are not in his plans to find new clubs.
4. How have Sterling and Chilwell responded to the news?
It is not known, but Maresca insists it is not a personal decision.
5. How has the team reacted to the changes?
Dewsbury-Hall says the team remains focused and determined despite the departures.
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