Enzo Maresca and Todd Boehly's Squid Game, how will this end?

Maresca faces criticism over Sterling's exclusion, squad management at Chelsea. Bold decisions ahead of Europa League match vs. Servette.

Chelsea's Enzo Maresca must walk the talk after recent decision to axe certain players from his new Chelsea squad. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Enzo Maresca has been in the news since the beginning of the week for different reasons; this has brought out the jury on the Italian, and he doesn’t have forever to impress.

After the loss at home to Manchester City on Sunday, Maresca has been vocal in the media, talking about the squad size, his tactical plans, his managerial style, and talking tough on player exits, including the axing of senior players like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.

Pundits and transfer experts have expressed their opinions about the treatment of Sterling and other players, while acknowledging that Maresca is unable to manage a team of 42 players. However, there is a way to tell a man to go to hell and he will look forward to the journey.

Maresca disclosed to newsmen ahead of his Europa League game on Thursday, fielding questions from journalists. He said he has made it clear to some players that they will struggle to find minutes.

“I am not working with 42 players; I only train with 20 players. The situation is not as messy as people from outside think it is; the other players are training separately, and they have been advised to look elsewhere.” - Enzo Maresca.

He further stated that while all players have contracts with the Blues and have the option to stay, they will not receive playing time. Interestingly, the Blues brought in more than half of the players requested to play elsewhere last season.

The major talking point has been the decision to hand Pedro Neto the number 7 jersey, which is currently held by Sterling. You’ll expect the England winger to leave first before his shirt number is allocated to someone else; however, Maresca isn’t joking around.

This is blatant disrespect to Sterling; while his transition from Manchester City to Chelsea hasn't gone as planned, his exclusion from the Chelsea squad is offensive, and he now needs to find solutions before the transfer window closes.

Chilwell is another name to discuss; his injury record hasn’t helped, but what has happened to the former darling of the English press? With the manager saying he doesn't care what happens to the boys who are not in his plans, Chilwell must also find solutions.

The best and worst of managers live and die by their decisions. Maresca clearly has the backing of the people who splashed the cash on the players he’s axing; he now must show his workings on the pitch, starting with the home game against Servette in Europe on Thursday.