Raheem Sterling is now being kept apart from his Chelsea teammates. He is forced to dine alone and use separate facilities following a failed summer transfer.
Sterling is an outcast at Chelsea
Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea nightmare continues. Now, he joins Axel Disasi and David Datro Fofana in what fans are calling the club’s ‘bomb squad.’ The trio has been separated from the main squad. They are eating meals alone, using a different dressing room, and even separate toilets.
This treatment comes after Sterling, despite interest from clubs like Fulham during the transfer window, failed to secure a move. He was once the crown jewel of Chelsea’s attacking line and still the club’s top earner. Now, Sterling finds himself on the outside looking in.
The isolation is not merely protocol, it signifies clear intent. The Blues seem to want to isolate players who the head coach doesn’t intend to select. This must be affecting the player, another look at the harsh realities of football politics in elite clubs.
The ‘bomb squad’ life
Axel Disasi’s most recent social media story showed fans a snapshot of the small, isolated conditions these players are in. The ‘bomb squad’ live a life that is extremely weird even compared to their teammates. They are cut off from regular club facilities altogether.
Enzo Maresca’s tempering of squad management has been under debate. But, critics will point out the concerning possibility of it crossing a line. That is even if the players are still under contract with the club.
This opens up many more discussions about respect and morale. This shows the issue of how clubs treat surplus superstars in all sports. Football isn’t simply contracts and paychecks, it’s about team spirit and pride.
Author’s Opinion:
Players can be left out in this sense and teams may feel the short-term sting of this action but the long-term risk grows. Sterling and others are entitled to expect human and professional treatment first.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
