“Just play better” - Jamie Carragher slams ‘ridiculous’ statement from Chelsea star Raheem Sterling

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has criticized Chelsea's Raheem Sterling after the latter's team posted a public statement on social media. This occurred after Sterling was left out of Enzo Maresca's matchday squad to face Manchester City in their opening Premier League fixture on Sunday, August 18.

Sterling struggled for form last season under former Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino, garnering 10 goals and eight assists in 43 appearances across competitions. The 29-year-old's woes at Stamford Bridge have continued under Maresca as well, as he was completely left out of the squad to face City on Sunday.

Sterling's entourage immediately posted a statement online, demanding clarity over his future at the club. They wrote (via Daily Mirror):

"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."

The statement continued:

"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."

"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."

Carragher wasn't impressed by this as he subsequently Tweeted:

"Massive fan of Raheem as a player & a lad. Not a fan of the Chelsea set up with owners etc… But this statement is ridiculous! As a camp………..! We look forward to gaining clarity…….! No need for a statement, especially an hour before kick off!! Just play better."

The Blues struggled in Sterling's absence, falling to a 2-0 loss against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

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"Just a technical decision" - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca defends his decision to drop Raheem Sterling from matchday squad

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has responded to Raheem Sterling's team's statement, explaining why he decided to drop the England international from his matchday squad.

Maresca insisted it was a technical decision. However, he remained coy while discussing Sterling's future at the club. He told Sky Sports (via Daily Mirror):

"It happens many times. The manager has to make some decisions. Sometimes players don't like it, that's normal. Just a technical decision, no more than that. We'll see in the next days."

Maresca added:

"In this moment I think no one of them [players] is 100% fit. The same for all the teams. Nicolas [Jackson] is better, Cole [Palmer] is better. Pedro [Neto] arrives a few days ago. He needs a bit more. Hopefully we can give him a few minutes."

Sterling is contracted to Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2027, having joined the Blues from Manchester City for a reported fee of £47.5 million in 2022. Unfortunately, he has been unable to get back to his best form for Chelsea yet, scoring 19 goals and registering 12 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions.