“He’s staying with us” “It’s time for him to deliver for us” – Enzo Maresca confirms £50m Chelsea man is staying at Chelsea after Man City defeat
After the preseason loss to Manchester City, Enzo Maresca has identified one Chelsea player as a key member of the team.
On Saturday night, Chelsea’s preseason tour in the United States continued, as they were defeated by Premier League champions Manchester City 4-2. Several times the Blues were penalized for carelessness with the ball, which gave Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland three goals apiece.
Although Stamford Bridge is home to many skilled center halves, new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is experimenting with different combinations in an effort to find his ideal lineup. As a result, these defensive shortcomings at the back are not entirely surprising, particularly considering that they are also becoming used to playing possession-based football.
Enzo Maresca highlights Raheem Sterling importance
Maresca was full of praise for Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling, 29, following his eye-catching display in the pre-season loss this weekend to Man City.
The Englishman came on as a half-time substitute against his former club and looked very bright in his 45 minutes on the left wing. Most importantly, he netted a stunning left-footed volley to reward himself for his impact off the bench.
It’s interesting to hear Sterling described as a key player in the squad by the new manager, who’s clearly a big fan of his. It feels like he may be playing his way into the starting XI for the start of the new season.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Maresca said via Football.London: “The position of Raheem, for me, is a winger; the position he was in the first four games with us. I don’t see him in another position. In any game, it can happen when we need to use him in a different position. For sure, he is one of our important players, together with the rest.
“At this moment, sometimes he is playing from the start, sometimes he goes inside. The important thing is we give him minutes, and he is doing well.”
It’s time for Raheem Sterling to deliver a big third season
Sterling has been a Chelsea player since he joined them from Man City in the summer of 2022, which means he’s now had two full seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Unfortunately, the attacker’s overall record for the Blues is a little underwhelming for someone of his calibre. He’s scored 19 goals and created 12 assists during 81 games across all competitions in two years.
The £50m signing (BBC) has slightly disappointed so far in Chelsea colours, especially because he’s an experienced head that should be leading the way in a very young squad.
There’s no reason to completely give up on Sterling just yet, though. In fact, this third season under the new coach could be the perfect combination for him to recapture his best form as an out-and-out goalscoring winger.