Liverpool legend, now football pundit Graham Souness has criticised Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca for his handling of Raheem Sterling, claiming the situation exposed Maresca’s inexperience in managing high-profile players.
According to Souness, the conversation in which Maresca informed Sterling that he was not part of his plans should have taken place long before Chelsea's opening Premier League game against Manchester City, rather than just two days before the match.
"What reaction did Chelsea expect?" Souness wrote in his Daily Mail column. "From that moment, there was only one thing in Raheem Sterling's head, and that was: what's best for Raheem?"
Souness argued that the timing of the conversation was bound to cause disruption and disappointment for Sterling, who had participated in pre-season friendlies and believed he would play a key role this season.
Souness went on to highlight the need for experienced decision-making when dealing with players of Sterling’s calibre. "Young footballers today have enormous egos, and so they should have to perform in the Premier League. Sterling has taken that message personally," he explained.
"Chelsea were asking for trouble by waiting to tell Raheem Sterling his fate 48 hours before the start of the season."
The Scot believes that Chelsea’s new regime, which made Sterling its first major signing, failed to manage the situation effectively. He stressed that informing Sterling of his status earlier would have allowed both the player and the club more time to consider their options.
"Sterling should have been given the good news... You don't wait until 48 hours before the season kicks off; you're asking for trouble," Souness stated.
The former Liverpool manager also pointed out that Chelsea’s strategy under their new ownership appears inconsistent. While the club has focused on signing younger, less expensive players on long-term contracts, the signing of Sterling and other experienced players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang contradicts this approach. "Does this business plan change from week to week, month to month, or season to season?" Souness asked.
Sterling’s situation now leaves Chelsea in a challenging position, with Souness suggesting that there is little market for the player in Europe unless Chelsea is willing to take a significant financial loss. Sterling’s desire to remain in Europe and reclaim his place in the England squad adds further complexity to the situation.
Souness concluded by emphasising that the ongoing uncertainty at Chelsea, including having more than 15 players training away from the first team, highlights the need for clearer strategic planning and more experienced leadership.
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