Calls are growing louder for PFA to step in after Enzo Maresca’s handling of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi at Chelsea drew heavy criticism.
Sterling and Disasi frozen out
Things have turned sour for Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, with both left out in the cold under head coach Enzo Maresca. Sterling, once the face of England’s attack, has been training alone. He even shared a late-night session photo to show his frustration.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Chelsea. Just hours before the Blues flew to Germany for a UCL clash with Bayern, the winger wasn’t allowed on. Disasi has suffered the same fate. He has been cut off from the squad and told bluntly that his future doesn’t lie in west London.
Sterling’s summer escape route collapsed when a potential move to Fulham fell apart. That left him stuck and sidelined. It’s a harsh reality check for two senior pros who still have plenty to offer on the pitch.
PFA pressure and growing backlash on Chelsea
Gabriel Agbonlahor didn’t hold back when weighing in, blasting Chelsea’s approach as damaging and disrespectful. Speaking on talkSPORT, he compared the situation to Aston Villa’s infamous “bomb squad” days under Paul Lambert. He shared that the unwanted players were forced to train apart and treated like outcasts.
The PFA had already flagged concerns about such practices back in 2024. Additionally, FIFA regulations make it clear that isolating players can be classed as abusive conduct. With Sterling now being linked to Celtic and visibly unhappy, the spotlight is firmly on Maresca’s methods.
Fans and pundits alike are questioning whether this is professional management or simply crossing the line.
Author’s Opinion:
Football is ruthless, but freezing players out is not the way forward. Sterling and Disasi deserve clarity, not isolation. The PFA needs to act before this becomes a pattern across the league.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
