“It’s not tactical reasons” – Manager gives in depth explanation over Chelsea loanee’s lack of minutes | OneFootball

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling isn’t currently getting many minutes for the Gunners.

Sterling was billed as a marquee signing when he joined the Blues from Manchester City in a deal worth £50m in the summer of 2022.

The England international has found life difficult at Stamford Bridge and in all honesty has failed to live up to expectations in west London.

Arteta on why Sterling isn’t getting many minutes

Sterling was booed at times last season by Chelsea supporters for a perceived lack of effort and a series of poor performances.

It appeared he was set for a key role under Enzo Maresca as he featured regularly in pre-season, but things changed very quickly after he wasn’t named in the squad for opening game of the season against City.

Maresca took the decision to freeze the 30-year-old out and it appeared Sterling would be stuck at Chelsea until at least January, with there seemingly no suitors for the winger.

However, he sealed a late deadline day loan move to Arsenal, where he was reunited with Arteta having worked with the Spainard at City.

Sterling featured regularly for Chelsea in pre-season.

The move to Arsenal gave Sterling an opportunity to prove he can still perform at the highest level, but his spell at the Emirates hasn’t gone to plan so far.

Sterling has scored just once for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup, whilst he’s only made two Premier League starts for the club, and Steve Nicol hasn’t been impressed with his performances.

The winger has played just 146 minutes in the league so far and Arteta has explained why Sterling isn’t playing often.

“It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more,” he said as quoted by The Mirror.

“When he hasn’t started the games, 90% of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries.

“It’s not tactical reasons. I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way. He’s very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play.

“He had this very important role, impacting every game, and suddenly you are in this position for a while.

More Stories / Latest News

“It’s not tactical reasons” – Manager gives in depth explanation over Chelsea loanee’s lack of minutes

14th Dec 2024, 02:00pm

“I predict” – Alan Shearer shares his prediction for Chelsea’s clash with Brentford

14th Dec 2024, 01:30pm

“He is doing better” – Maresca picks on thing Jadon Sancho has already improved – and one thing all his wingers must do

14th Dec 2024, 12:10pm

“Not just here but at Chelsea as well. So it’s always very difficult and I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment. Hopefully we can change it.”

Chelsea will be hoping Sterling features more regularly as they try to boost his transfer value and attract more suitors ahead of an inevitable exit next summer.