Raheem Sterling indirectly criticized former manager Graham Potter after his outstanding performance in Chelsea’s victory over Luton Town.
Chelsea had an easy 3-0 win at their home stadium on Friday night, which was the first win since Mauricio Pochettino became their manager.
Sterling scored two amazing goals before and after halftime and then helped Nicolas Jackson score his first goal for the Blues.
The English soccer player was rightfully chosen as the best player of the game. He played exceptionally well, similar to how he used to play when he was with Manchester City. This level of performance has rarely been seen from him since he joined Stamford Bridge last summer.
This could be because Potter sometimes made Potter play in positions where he wasn’t as good, like playing forward further back on the field. This happened during the few months when Potter was in charge and it didn’t go well.
But with Pochettino, Sterling feels like a completely different player and he was eager to emphasize the positive influence his new boss has had, as well as the significance of playing in a proper manner.
It was clear that we started okay against Liverpool, but we lost last week against West Ham. So we really needed to win this game. I’m just glad that I could help with that,’ the 28-year-old said to Sky Sports after the match.
I felt frustrated last season because I was constantly in a position where my back was facing the goal. I wasn’t allowing myself enough opportunities to take risks and try new things.
I talked to the boss last week and we discussed the job. I understand what he expects from me, and it’s really straight forward. I just need to be aggressive,attack other players, and play my best.
I went through a tough time,but it’s over now. I believe the most crucial thing is that I have examined myself and discovered that I am someone who consistently tries to figure out my actions,learn from my mistakes, and make improvements.
I just want to start loving football again – that’s it. Playing football all day everyday,making goals and helping others make goals too.
In the first Liverpool game, I felt like I was too focused on my own actions, just like last season when I spent too much time passing the ball to the full backs from a deep position.
We had a basic conversation and he [Pochettino] said, “Raheem, it doesn’t matter where you play – as long as you give your best effort, are energetic, then nobody can stop you, just be decisive with the ball”. I really want and am eager to do that.
Many things have occurred in my career. I faced a new problem that was hard. Sometimes my thinking may not be very clear -it’s important to have a clear understanding to see what you want.
‘I really love football a lot and I want to make sure I continue to enjoy it at a high level’ .