Pochettino Hails Raheem Sterling's Comeback at Chelsea
Pochettino Hails Raheem Sterling's Comeback at Chelsea
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino offered high praise to Raheem Sterling, acknowledging the England forward's impressive return to form. Sterling's remarkable two-goal performance during Friday's 3-0 victory against Luton Town in the Premier League earned him well-deserved acclaim.
Despite Chelsea's mixed results, with an opening 1-1 draw against Liverpool and a subsequent 3-1 loss to West Ham United, Sterling stood out as a bright spot. Under the guidance of new head coach Pochettino, the 28-year-old showcased a resurgence in his abilities, contributing significantly to Chelsea's triumph.
Sterling's journey to this point has been marked by periods of inconsistency since his transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in July of the previous year. However, his resurgence under Pochettino's tutelage has been evident, prompting the Argentine coach to speak highly of him.
Pochettino emphasized Sterling's dedication to the team's success, highlighting his strong work ethic and undeniable quality. The coach commended Sterling for his exceptional performance, expressing his satisfaction and pleasure with the player's progress.
The forward shared that he engaged in discussions with Pochettino regarding his role within the club. Pochettino revealed that his approach involves understanding the players' preferred positions, their self-perception, and their ideal playing style. He stressed that the focus is not merely on positions, but also on the cohesion and interaction between players, aiming to optimize their performance.
Pochettino elaborated on the importance of this ongoing process as he builds and refines the team. He acknowledged that time is a crucial factor in shaping a cohesive and successful unit.
Looking ahead, Chelsea's schedule includes a League Cup match against Wimbledon on Wednesday, followed by a league encounter against Nottingham Forest on September 2. Pochettino expressed his contentment with the team's inaugural victory under his leadership, describing it as a pivotal moment that instills trust and confidence in their strategic direction.