Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faced the press before his team’s visit to Manchester United. Much of the focus was on Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, who have been excluded from the main squad and are training separately. Reports emerged that the Professional Footballers’ Association is in discussions with Chelsea about the situation. When asked about the mental health impact of being left out, Maresca compared it to his father’s experience working long hours as a fisherman for fifty years, saying that was a much tougher situation. He added that situations like this happen at every major club, and that while the players are given the tools to train properly, if they are not involved in the squad then they simply are not involved.
The Italian also addressed the 3-1 defeat against Bayern Munich, noting it was a tough but normal Champions League game and that his team showed quality in parts of the match. He insisted Chelsea will continue to compete strongly in the competition despite the loss.
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Attention then turned to team news and Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford. Chelsea only returned from Munich on Thursday, leaving little time for recovery. Maresca admitted that some players are carrying doubts and the squad will be properly assessed after training. One key positive was confirmation that Cole Palmer is okay, despite holding his groin late in the Bayern game.
Maresca also discussed the return of young forward Marc Guiu, stressing that while the player still has areas to improve, the intention is to involve him going forward. Perhaps most eye catching was his praise of Alejandro Garnacho, who is set to face his former club Manchester United. The Chelsea coach said the winger has adapted well to the team’s style in recent games and suggested he is now ready to start.
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Meanwhile Everton manager David Moyes also addressed the media and highlighted that Liverpool have shown some weaknesses defensively this season. Overall, the build up to the weekend is dominated by Chelsea’s squad concerns and the Sterling and Disasi situation.
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