“It didn’t seem to me Mateo Kovačić second goal was a fluke and a lucky goal he can’t score such again- Enzo Maresca insists Manchester City second goal was a fluke
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s new manager, made headlines after benching Raheem Sterling for the crucial Premier League match against Manchester City. The highly anticipated game, set to take place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, marks the start of the new season.
Sterling, who had been left out of the squad for this match, released a statement requesting clarification regarding his future at the club. Maresca responded decisively, stating that Sterling’s omission was purely a technical decision and nothing more. In an interview with Sky Sports, the manager bluntly remarked, “Players don’t always agree with the decisions managers make, but they are paid to comply.”
Sterling’s exclusion came as a surprise, particularly since he had scored in both Premier League encounters with Manchester City during the previous season. Maresca had even referred to the 29-year-old as a “vital player” for the upcoming 2024–25 campaign, especially given Sterling’s involvement in all six of Chelsea’s preseason games.
Following the squad announcement, Sterling’s management released a statement, which was published in the Daily Mail. It emphasized that Sterling has a three-year contract with Chelsea and returned to England ahead of schedule for individual training. The statement also highlighted Sterling’s successful preseason and positive working relationship with Maresca.
