chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Defends Training Situation for Sterling, Disasi, Cites Father’s Profession as Comparison
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has addressed the ongoing situation surrounding Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, who are currently training separately from the first-team squad, drawing an unexpected comparison to his own father’s demanding career. The Italian manager’s comments came after discussions with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) regarding the pair’s exclusion.
maresca acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for both players, stating, “I’ve been in Raheem’s and Axel’s situation as a player. For sure, I know it is not the best feeling for a player.” However, when asked about the mental challenge, he offered a stark contrast, saying, “my father is 75 years old and for 50 years he’s been a fisherman, working from two o’clock in the morning till 10 o’clock in the morning. This is a hard life – not the way a player works.”
The situation has prompted concern from the PFA,which is working with Chelsea to ensure Sterling and Disasi maintain optimal training conditions despite their exclusion from the senior team. FIFA regulations also exist regarding player isolation that could be considered ”abusive conduct,” perhaps allowing players to terminate contracts “just cause.” Maresca maintained that the club is providing resources, stating, “When no solution is found, you give the player all the tools to train and do anything, but if you are not in the squad, you are not in the squad. It’s not about Chelsea, it is about any club in the world.”
Sterling, 30, has nearly two years remaining on his £325,000-per-week contract and reportedly preferred to stay in London despite interest from clubs including Juventus, Napoli, and Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal passed on signing him after a previous loan spell, and Fulham pursued other options. Disasi, whose contract runs until 2029, sought a return to Monaco, but the move didn’t materialize, and loan offers from Bournemouth, Sunderland, and West Ham were all rejected.
