Pressed on the development after the game, Maresca claimed he had been unaware of Sterling's response."To be honest, I didn't see the statement," he claimed.

"I have nothing to say. I didn't see the statement because the game was there. It was a tactical decision, no more than that. In the next day, we will clarify in case we need to. I have been clear, it's a tactical decision. I didn't see it."

Asked on whether the player had a future at the club, the Italian avoided giving a direct answer and reiterated he had already explained the decision."I have been quite clear," he said. "It was just a technical decision."

He also refused to be drawn on whether the timing of the statement, which was released shortly before kick-off at Stamford Bridge, had proved disruptive. "No, to be honest like I said I didn't see it," he said. "So I don't know."

Sterling signed for Chelsea from City in July 2022 for a £47.5million fee. He still has three years on his deal to run, but today's development will now inevitably see his future become the source of intense speculation.

The statement compounded a difficult first Premier League game in charge for Maresca's side, who rarely failed to sustain any prolonged period of the visitors. That's despite Pep Guardiola's side missing several players, including key midfielder Rodri.

But the 44-year-old still found positives in the display, arguing: "I think we competed very well for large parts of the game. We were same level, and in some moments even better. The team was there, the performance was there, and we created many chances.

"We don't like to lose of course. Probably the big difference was inside the box. But overall, I am happy with the overall performance. It was good."