Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel addressed recent controversies involving Manchester City players and former England winger Raheem Sterling on the eve of England’s Nations League match against Croatia in Rijeka. Despite ongoing legal issues surrounding three City players, Tuchel confirmed they remain part of England’s plans and are maintaining focus within the national team environment.
Tuchel acknowledged that the scandal, which has attracted significant media attention, has been a recurring topic among players during downtime. However, he emphasized that the individuals involved have stayed committed to training sessions and team meetings. “It’s a big topic in camp,” Tuchel said, noting that while discussions occur, they are kept brief to preserve concentration on the matches.
Addressing potential consequences for the players, including possible relegation of their club from the Premier League pending appeal outcomes, Tuchel indicated he would consider selecting them regardless of their club status. “I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, occasion, tournament,” he explained. “I will never rule that out because they don’t play in the top flight in their country. We need to look at it case by case.”
Tuchel also spoke about Sterling’s recent difficulties. The former Manchester City forward, who joined Chelsea in 2022 for £47.5 million, was recently charged with dangerous driving after being stopped by police in May. He pleaded guilty to possession of nitrous oxide and refusing to provide a specimen and is awaiting sentencing or possible referral to Crown Court in November. Sterling, now 31 and a free agent, has not been in contact with Tuchel in recent weeks.
The Chelsea manager expressed concern over Sterling’s declining career and personal challenges. “I have a lot of sympathy for him and I feel he has struggled ever since he left Manchester City, when he was at the peak of his career,” Tuchel said. “It’s sad to see he is struggling because he was a devoted father for his children and he was a family guy, a nice guy to be around. It just seems he has gone through a difficult period. I’m not sure how much is his fault—sometimes you just enter a strange spiral in your life, a downward spiral.”
Tuchel concluded by expressing hope for Sterling’s recovery, stating, “My thoughts are with him of course, the belief is always that he can turn it around and I wish him the best.”