Why wasn’t Raheem Sterling called up for Chelsea’s match against Manchester City?

Chelsea’s Premier League start couldn’t have been worse. The Blues suffered a tough 2-0 defeat against reigning champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

What’s more, the team showed the same problems seen with previous coach Mauricio Pochettino: a team without a clear game plan and players’ chemistry. In the absence of these two things is when the team’s most experienced players must assume a fundamental role in keeping the ship afloat. However, there is one who seems to be closer to leaving that ship: Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, did not call up the 29-year-old winger, and discussion started quickly on social media, especially considering the player’s determination with the club ahead of this new season. As if the situation wasn’t already inflamed, an hour before kick-off, Sterling’s spokesperson statement turned to social media, demanding clarity from the club about the player’s situation.

What did Sterling’s statement say?

The message is evident from the beginning: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.”

“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity,” the statement continued by addressing the player’s determination with the club.

“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.” concluded the message.

Why didn’t Raheem Sterling play against Manchester City?

After all the pre-match discussion and Chelsea’s defeat, Maresca had to address the situation with the player. During the pre-match interview, the club’s head coach explained it was a “technical decision.” He also stated, “Managers are paid to make decisions, and sometimes players don’t like it.”

Later in the press conference, when asked if he wanted Raheem Sterling to stay at the club, the Italian hinted at the player’s possible departure. " I want Raheem Sterling, but I want all the 30 players we have. But there is no space for all of them. So for some of them, they have to leave.” said Maresca.

With only 11 days left for the summer transfer market to close, it is possible to think that this “technical decision” goes beyond a mere tactical move; the relationship between Maresca and Sterling seems to be going downhill, and with the signing of Portuguese winger Pedro Neto, Sterling’s future with Chelsea is now hanging by a thread.

For now, there are no concrete offers for the player, but there are rumors of possible interest from Juventus. However, there is a contrast of interests between what the club wants (for the player to leave) and Sterling’s wishes to continue.