Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, recently ignited a debate by juxtaposing the situations of his players, Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, with the arduous life of his father, a fisherman. His remarks surfaced amid discussions between Chelsea and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) concerning the training arrangements for Sterling and Disasi, who are currently training separately from the main squad. This immediately raised questions about player treatment and what constitutes hardship.
When probed about the status of these two players, Maresca acknowledged the less-than-ideal circumstances. I’ve been in Raheem’s and Axel’s situation as a player, he stated. For sure, I know it is not the best feeling for a player. For different reasons, the situation is the situation at the moment, but I know the club is giving them the situation to work in the right way.
However, Maresca then offered a broader viewpoint, drawing a stark comparison to his father’s physically taxing occupation. My father is 75 years old, and for 50 years, he’s been a fisherman, working from two o’clock in the morning until 10 o’clock in the morning. This is a hard life – not the way a player works. This analogy immediately sparked discussion: Is the life of a professional footballer truly that challenging compared to more physically demanding jobs?
PFA Involvement and FIFA Regulations: Protecting Player Rights
The PFA is actively collaborating with Chelsea to guarantee that Sterling and Disasi have access to suitable training facilities and resources. This ensures they can maintain their fitness levels despite not being fully integrated with the senior squad. The organization’s involvement showcases their commitment to protecting player well-being, even when players face uncertain futures at their respective clubs.
FIFA, the global governing body for football, also has regulations in place to shield players from potentially abusive treatment by clubs. Under specific circumstances, isolating players from the squad could be construed as abusive conduct, potentially allowing the player to terminate their contract for just cause. This underscores the importance of treating all players with respect, regardless of their standing within the team.
Maresca addressed this issue, stating, When no solution is found, you give the player all the tools to train and do anything, but if you are not in the squad, you are not in the squad. It’s not about Chelsea; it is about any club in the world.
Transfer Speculation Surrounding Sterling and Disasi
The situations for both Sterling and Disasi have fueled transfer rumors and speculation. Raheem Sterling, with less than two years remaining on his £325,000-per-week contract, was heavily rumored to be departing Chelsea during the summer transfer window. Numerous European clubs, including Juventus, Napoli, and Bayer Leverkusen, showed interest, but the 30-year-old reportedly preferred to remain in London for family reasons. Potential moves to Arsenal and Fulham also did not come to fruition.
Axel Disasi, whose contract runs until 2029, explored a possible loan move back to his former club Monaco. However, the French club did not pursue a formal offer. Loan opportunities with Bournemouth, Sunderland, and West Ham were also considered but ultimately rejected by the player or failed to materialize before the transfer deadline. The convergence of factors like contract length, performance, and club strategy often dictates these scenarios.
Garnacho’s Ready to Start Against Former Club
In other Chelsea team news, Maresca revealed that winger Alejandro Garnacho is prepared to start in Chelsea’s upcoming match against his former club, Manchester United. The 21-year-old has made two substitute appearances since his £40 million transfer to Chelsea in August. This adds another layer of intrigue to the already anticipated match.
Garnacho’s departure from Manchester United was preceded by disagreements with then-head coach Ruben Amorim, who reportedly instructed him to find a new club and train separately from the rest of the squad after Garnacho questioned Amorim’s decision not to include him in the starting lineup for the Europa League final. This adds a compelling backstory to Garnacho’s upcoming appearance against his former team
Regarding the possibility of Garnacho being booed by Manchester United fans at Old Trafford, Maresca said, I don’t know. The same happened to Marc Cucurella against Bayern Munich, which is not easy, but as a player you have to learn to endure these kinds of things.
The recent targeting of Cucurella by Bayern Munich supporters is believed to stem from a controversial handball incident involving the Spain defender during Euro 2024.
Defining a Hard Life: Is Football Really That Tough?
Maresca’s poignant comparison between his father’s fishing career and the professional lives of Sterling and Disasi inevitably prompts reflection. While the demands of professional soccer are undeniable – rigorous training regimens, intense competition, constant media scrutiny, and the pressure to perform – they exist within a framework of immense financial reward and relative physical safety. The life of a fisherman, characterized by pre-dawn starts, unpredictable weather conditions, and inherent dangers at sea, presents a dramatically different kind of hardship. It boils down to perspective and an understanding of different realities.
Maresca’s words underscore the varying degrees of adversity and serve as a reminder of the diverse challenges individuals face beyond the realm of professional sports. While Sterling and Disasi navigate their professional uncertainties, the Chelsea manager highlighted his father’s resilience, emphasizing the dedication and perseverance required by those in more physically demanding professions. Ultimately, both the fisherman and the football player must work hard to achieve their goals, albeit with vastly different demands and rewards. Maresca’s comparison, while potentially controversial, serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the different kinds of struggles people face.
