Chelsea FC has sidelined a whopping 13 first-team players, banishing them to what’s been dubbed the “bomb squad.”

Star players Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are among those who’ve been brutally exiled by their manager. But they’re not the only ones who’ve experienced the harsh reality of being frozen out.

Here, three footballers share their personal stories of what it’s like to be left on the outside, struggling to cope with the mental and emotional toll of being sidelined.

Jay Bothroyd

I had a major fallout with Mick McCarthy, my manager at Wolves. We just didn’t see eye-to-eye. I had a strong personality, and so did he. I wasn’t willing to back down, and neither was he. In the end, he started treating me really badly – making me train alone, taking away my squad number, and forcing me to get changed with the kids. It was tough, but I didn’t let it break me.

Thanks to some sage advice from ex-player Gary Green, I focused on my training and mental toughness. I left Wolves in 2008, and two years later, I was playing for England. It just goes to show that even in the darkest moments, you can come out on top if you stay focused and determined.

Chelsea star Raheem Sterling is among those to have been banished to the ‘bomb squad’

Jay Bothroyd has recounted the time he was frozen out at Wolves under Mick McCarthy

Danny Murphy

I was frozen out twice in my career, once at Charlton and again at Blackburn. At Charlton, it came out of the blue. I’d heard rumors that Alan Curbishley was planning to sell me to Newcastle, and when I confronted him, he denied it. But then I was left out of the team and forced to train with the youngsters. It was tough to take, but I didn’t let it get to me.

The hardest part was staying disciplined and motivated. I knew I had to keep my head down and focus on my training if I wanted to get back into the team. Mark Robson, a coach at West Ham, was a huge help during that time. He motivated me and kept me going.

Danny Murphy says Alan Curbishley’s decision to sell him at Charlton came out of the blue

Stephen Warnock

I had a major fallout with Gerard Houllier during my time at Aston Villa. He told me I could go home after a game, but then he got angry when I didn’t apologize for not asking permission. It was a weird situation, and I didn’t understand what was going on.

Next thing I knew, I was banished to the reserves. There was no communication, no explanation. It was tough, but I didn’t let it break me. I kept my head down, worked hard, and eventually got back into the team under Alex McLeish.

Stephen Warnock fell out with Gerard Houllier during his time with Aston Villa

These stories show that even the toughest players can struggle when they’re frozen out. But with determination, hard work, and a bit of luck, you can come out on top and prove your doubters wrong.