'Maresca's teamsheet created some new issues to resolve behind the scenes'
- Published
Chelsea's starting XI for their defeat by Manchester City showed they have good players - but the issue is they have over 30 more whose futures need resolving.
Before kick-off was a statement delivered by Raheem Sterling, who was not in the matchday squad, through his representatives saying: "We look forward to gaining clarity on the situation."
Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic got the goals, but Chelsea left Stamford Bridge feeling they at least deserved a draw and possibly even a win over the champions.
Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana all looked in impressive shape after injury-ruined seasons.
Cole Palmer was quiet but remains a brilliant option as new boss Enzo Maresca tries to balance his midfield alongside £100m men Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Having fixed the defensive issues that dogged pre-season, Maresca was left - like so many previous Blues managers - bemoaning poor finishing.
Chelsea are continuing talks to sign forwards Joao Felix and Victor Osimhen, but the urgent need seems to be to offload players.
Having effectively put Ben Chilwell's future in doubt before kick-off, Maresca did the same with Sterling on Sunday - and, after the match, said Carney Chukwuemeka might also need to seek a move.
A host of others - including Trevoh Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Armando Broja, David Datro Fofana, Cesare Casadei and Angelo Gabriel - are also expected to leave before the 30 August deadline.
If not, Maresca will be left in the tricky position of trying to keep a glut of high-profile players happy.
Sunday's performance was positive, but Maresca's teamsheet created some new issues to resolve behind the scenes.