Raheem Sterling Left Out of Chelsea vs Man City: Pundits Critique His Statement
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Raheem Sterling Excluded from Chelsea's Squad: Reactions and Statements
Raheem Sterling's absence from Chelsea's opening match against Manchester City has sparked significant discussions among pundits and fans alike. Just before the kick-off, Sterling's camp released a statement expressing their wish for "further clarity" regarding his future at Chelsea, which has drawn sharp criticism from notable commentators on Sky Sports' Super Sunday.
Background on Sterling's Situation
Despite being a key player, Sterling was left out of Chelsea's squad for the critical season opener. According to his spokesperson, he is under contract with Chelsea for the next three years and has recently shown commitment by returning to England two weeks early for individual training. He reportedly had a positive pre-season under the new coach, building a working relationship which raised expectations for his involvement in the match.
Summary of the Statement from Sterling's Camp
The statement highlighted Sterling's commitment to performing at a high level for Chelsea and the fans. It read:
"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. He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard. 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."
Pundits' Critique of the Statement
The timing and content of the statement did not sit well with several pundits, leading to several critical comments:
- Jamie Redknapp: Voiced that the statement was "absolute rubbish" and suggested that Sterling's camp should focus on improving his performance rather than public commentary.
- Micah Richards: Stated that the move to make the statement public was unhelpful to both the team and Sterling's chances of getting back into the line-up.
- Daniel Sturridge: Agreed that the timing was poor, especially on match day, and believed Sterling is good enough to be part of the squad.
Post-Match Insights from Chelsea's Coach
After the match, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca addressed the situation by acknowledging the need for comprehensive decisions within the squad. He noted:
"I want Sterling but I want all of them. I can't have them all, so some will have to leave. In the next few days, we will see if we can clarify the situation. The manager has to take decisions that people and players don’t like - it’s normal. It’s just a technical decision, no more than that."
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Sterling’s exclusion from the squad and the subsequent statement from his camp highlights ongoing challenges at Chelsea. As comments from pundits and the manager indicate, there is an urgent need for clarity regarding Sterling's place within the team's future plans.