Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reveals his indifference toward the ‘bomb squad,’ focusing only on the players he wants for the season ahead.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made a startling admission regarding his lack of concern for the club’s so-called ‘bomb squad’—a group of surplus players training away from the first team. In a candid statement, Maresca revealed that he pays little attention to the players on the outskirts of the squad and focuses solely on preparing the team for success.
Chelsea’s ‘Bomb Squad’ Drama
Chelsea’s bloated senior squad, compounded by multiple signings in recent windows, has left a number of players deemed surplus to requirements. As a result, several key names, including England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, have been ostracized and forced to train away from the first team.
Maersca’s comments came after Lesley Ugochukwu’s £23 million transfer to Burnley was confirmed, adding to the growing list of players moving on. While the situation has attracted plenty of media attention, Maresca appears unbothered, stating that he only receives updates from the club when players are sold, further emphasising his focus on the remaining squad.
What Maresca Said
When quizzed about the ongoing situation with Chelsea’s castaways, Maresca commented, “The situation is quite clear. They are training. I guess they are waiting for a solution. But when they leave, it’s just the club that they text me or they call me.”
Maresca’s indifference to the situation reveals his determination to focus on what matters most to him—his current team and their preparation for the season. He continued, “I don’t pay attention to the ones that are training and need to leave. I just focus on how we prepare the session, how we can win games.”
The Bigger Picture: A Smaller Squad for Better Focus
Maresca also expressed his preference for working with a smaller squad, aiming for quality over quantity. The Chelsea manager acknowledged that having fewer players to manage would allow him to better focus on tactical drills and preparations for upcoming games.
“For sure, it’s much better to work with 25 players than more, than the biggest number. In this moment, we are working with the ones that we want. And we will see [what happens] from now until the transfer window is finished,” Maresca stated.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
With the 2025-26 Premier League season set to kick off on August 17, Chelsea will host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in their first match. Maresca’s aim will be to build on the success of his first season in charge, during which Chelsea claimed both the Conference League and the Club World Cup.
As Chelsea continue to fine-tune their squad, further sales are expected before the transfer window closes, making it clear that Maresca’s focus remains on the future of the players he wants at the club.
