Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Responds to Sterling and Disasi Exclusion with Striking Life Analogy

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca offered a candid perspective on the demands of professional football after explaining the absence of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi from his latest squad selection. Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming fixture, Maresca drew an unexpected but poignant comparison between the pressures of elite sport and his father’s decades-long work as a fisherman.

The Italian coach, who took charge of Chelsea earlier this year, used the moment to underline the privileges and challenges of life as a footballer, while also sending a message about resilience, work ethic, and perspective.

Sterling and Disasi Left Out of Squad

Two notable omissions from Chelsea’s lineup sparked immediate intrigue: winger Raheem Sterling and central defender Axel Disasi. Both players, regarded as key figures in recent Chelsea campaigns, were not included for selection, raising questions about form, fitness, and tactical choices.

Sterling, a senior England international with years of Premier League experience, has seen fluctuating game time under Maresca’s tenure. His exclusion comes as the manager seeks to instill consistency in performance and sharpen positional discipline across his squad. Disasi, who has featured prominently since his arrival from Monaco, was also left out, a decision interpreted as a tactical adjustment rather than punishment.

Maresca did not expand on specific fitness concerns or disciplinary issues, instead steering the conversation toward a broader reflection on life beyond football.

“This Is Hard in Life, Not Football”

When pressed about whether being left out was a hard moment for Sterling and Disasi, Maresca shifted the conversation with an evocative response. He shared the story of his father, who worked as a fisherman for 50 years, beginning every day on the sea at 2 a.m. and finishing by 10 a.m. without fail.

“This is hard in life, not being a football player,” Maresca explained. His words underscored that, while top-level athletes feel pressure and disappointment, their careers remain fundamentally privileged when compared to the physical toil and uncertainty of traditional labor.

The straightforward yet powerful analogy immediately resonated with some supporters, who saw it as a reminder of the perspective often missing in the high-finance world of professional sport. Others pointed out that leaving out senior players, especially Sterling, is not without risk given Chelsea’s recent inconsistency.

Historical Context: Chelsea and Its Managers’ Hard Choices

Chelsea Football Club is no stranger to high-profile exclusions and bold managerial choices. Throughout the modern Premier League era, several managers have faced similar dilemmas as they sought to maintain authority while managing squads packed with expensive talent. José Mourinho’s decision in 2015 to publicly criticize and later marginalize players such as Eden Hazard and Diego Costa drews and divided opinion. Antonio Conte’s exclusion of then-captain Diego Costa in 2017, delivered via text message, became a pivotal storyline in Chelsea’s title defense.

Maresca’s approach fits into this larger tradition of Chelsea managers making daring decisions to establish control and impose tactical discipline. His response, however, invoked a personal and philosophical angle rather than a tactical or disciplinary justification, making it stand out in the club’s history of player-management tensions.

Economic Stakes in Chelsea’s Season

The decision to omit Sterling and Disasi carries implications not just on the pitch, but also in the broader economic context surrounding Chelsea. Sterling, signed from Manchester City for a reported £47.5 million in 2022, represents one of the club’s significant recent investments. Disasi, who joined for around £38 million last year, is likewise considered a central part of the squad’s medium-term defensive structure.

Chelsea’s spending under their current ownership group has been among the highest in Europe, surpassing the £1 billion mark across multiple transfer windows. With such heavy financial outlay, the exclusion of marquee signings draws attention to the delicate balance between commercial assets and sporting pragmatism. Leaving out big-name players can impact market value, sponsorship visibility, and even dressing-room dynamics.

At the same time, Maresca’s decision highlights his intent to prioritize current form and tactical fit over reputation, a move that, if successful, could reinforce Chelsea’s long-term stability on the pitch.

Regional Reactions and Comparisons

Maresca’s remarks and team selection invite comparisons with how other Premier League managers handle similar high-profile player exclusions. At Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has repeatedly rotated or sidelined stars such as Kevin De Bruyne or Jack Grealish in the interest of tactical variation, often framing the decision in purely footballing terms. At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta famously benched Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for disciplinary reasons, stressing cultural standards within the club.

Maresca’s approach differs in tone, leaning more on empathy and wider life perspective while still asserting control as a coach. This unique framing may resonate with fans in West London who have grown accustomed to managerial upheaval and high turnover, as it projects both discipline and humanity.

Globally, football managers often draw from their personal lives to reinforce their core philosophies. Examples range from Diego Simeone’s emphasis on “suffering” and resilience rooted in his Argentine upbringing to Jürgen Klopp’s reflections on working-class values instilled in his German youth. Maresca’s fisherman analogy fits firmly into this tradition, rooting his coaching identity in life experience rather than tactics alone.

Supporter Reaction and Media Buzz

The reaction among Chelsea supporters has been mixed but largely intrigued. Many praised Maresca for speaking authentically and grounding football in the reality of everyday struggles. On social media, fans highlighted the humility of the message, especially in a modern football landscape often criticized for detachment from ordinary life.

Others expressed concern that Sterling, despite his inconsistencies, remains one of Chelsea’s most experienced attackers and an influential voice in the dressing room. Some argued that benching or sidelining him could undermine team chemistry at a time when Chelsea’s need for results is pressing.

Media commentary amplified the sense that Maresca is setting an early tone for his reign: player reputation will not outweigh tactical execution. His words suggested that mental resilience and humility are as important as technical performance in his evaluation of squad members.

The Broader Demands of Football Careers

Maresca’s comments also open a window into the broader discussion of what it means to be a professional footballer today. While the public sees wealth, fame, and privilege, players also face extraordinary pressure, constant scrutiny, and demanding physical schedules. Injuries, loss of form, and competition for places can destabilize even established stars.

His fisherman analogy starkly contrasts the privileges of football with the hardships of labor-intensive jobs. Yet, it also reminds current players that success in football requires consistent discipline and respect for the opportunities available to them—opportunities most could not imagine in other professions.

Looking Ahead

As Chelsea prepares for its next fixtures, attention will focus not only on results but also on how Sterling and Disasi respond to their exclusion. Both players will be under pressure to reaffirm their importance to the squad, either through performances in training or future opportunities on the pitch. For Maresca, the move will be scrutinized as a measure of his managerial resolve and his ability to cultivate unity while asserting authority.

Chelsea remains in a period of transition, rebuilding under new ownership and managerial philosophies. Maresca’s approach, blending discipline with perspective, could define the trajectory of their season. If his words resonate beyond the immediate decision, they may establish a foundation for a more resilient and grounded Chelsea team—one capable of enduring not only the tactical rigors of the Premier League but also the broader pressures of modern football.

For now, the image of a fisherman at sea before dawn serves as an unlikely but powerful metaphor for the challenges—and privileges—of playing football at the highest level.