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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed concerns over the club’s oversized squad, warning that there could be “problems” if the team isn’t trimmed before the transfer window closes on August 30.
The Blues have made 11 signings this summer, causing the senior squad to balloon to over 40 players. Maresca has been clear about the challenges of managing such a large group, noting that it’s “impossible” to conduct effective training sessions with so many players.
“It is impossible for any manager in the world to make a session with 45 players. It’s impossible. You cannot do that,” Maresca stated, emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining cohesion within the team.
As a result, several high-profile players, including England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, have been excluded from the main first-team group. Sterling, in particular, was left out of Maresca’s first Premier League squad in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City and also missed the Europa Conference League play-off against Servette.
Sterling’s future at Chelsea has been the subject of speculation, with his representatives seeking “clarity” on his role. Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have reportedly shown interest in the 29-year-old winger, though Palace manager Oliver Glasner remarked that while Sterling is a “fantastic player,” his potential move to the club remains uncertain.
Chelsea’s squad trimming has already seen England midfielder Conor Gallagher depart for Atletico Madrid, a move that has sparked discontent among some Chelsea supporters. Additionally, homegrown star Armando Broja is reportedly set to join Ipswich on loan with an obligation to buy.
Other players, such as Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, and Carney Chukwuemeka, also face uncertain futures as the club looks to resolve its squad issues. Maresca has made it clear that he has communicated which players he prefers, and the club is actively seeking solutions.
“When you find solutions, everyone is happy. When you don’t find a solution, then you can create some problems,” Maresca warned, underlining the urgency of resolving these matters before the transfer window shuts.
