What Enzo Maresca has said to Raheem Sterling about his place at Chelsea

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The biggest story surrounding Chelsea’s opening game of the Premier League season against Manchester City unfolded before a ball was even kicked.

Raheem Sterling was left out of the matchday squad completely, with his camp putting out a statement straight after the squad was announced saying that they were seeking clarity over his position at the club.

The likes of Jamie Carragher have come out and criticised Sterling for his decision to publicly do this, especially just minutes before Enzo Maresca’s reign as Chelsea manager got underway.

• READ MORE: Gary Lineker has theory for why Raheem Sterling released statement after Chelsea dropped him

The new boss has plenty of headaches to solve and top players to keep happy at Stamford Bridge, and the reality is right now that there are too many first team players for the matchday squad.

The moment took a lot of attention off the 2-0 defeat to the Champions, with more questions being asked of the club off the pitch rather than on it.

Maresca has told Sterling he will struggle for Chelsea minutes

Sky journalist Kaveh Solhekol has stated that Maresca told Sterling that he will struggle to see regular minutes this season in West London.

He said: “Raheem Sterling is considering all his options after he was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the game against Man City.

“Sterling is happy and settled at Chelsea but he was told on Friday by head coach Enzo Maresca that he would struggle to play regular first-team football this season.

“The news came out of the blue as Sterling had received no previous indication that his future was not at Stamford Bridge. He was given the weekend off.

“Sterling will not stay at Chelsea if he is not wanted but any potential move would have to be one which suits all parties, including his family.

“Sterling has asked for direct dialogue to discuss his future and Maresca said yesterday that talks would be held with the player. Sterling has three-years left on his Chelsea contract and the club are willing to listen to offers.”

Joao Felix set to join Chelsea

There is already plenty of competition for places in attack for the Blues, with new signing Pedro Neto making his debut off the bench in their last game.

These are likely to be added to as well with the incoming signing of Joao Felix. It has been claimed Felix joining could spell the end for Sterling entirely.

It has been no secret that decision makers at the club are keen to move the England international on, however are struggling to do so due to his high wages.