Sterling pays tribute to Pochettino after scoring twice

Striker Raheem Sterling said that a conversation with coach Mauricio Pochettino last week helped him regain his motivation to play.

"I want to get my obsession back with football. Just focus 24/7 on it and nothing else. I want to focus on performing at the top level, scoring goals and creating assists. Last season was disappointing for me personally. Because I felt like I was always with my back to goal. I had to drop deep and didn't have enough opportunities to get into the box," Sterling said.

Sterling said the conversation with Pochettino helped him shine. Photo: Reuters

Sterling left Man City to join Chelsea in the summer of 2022 for $66 million. Last season, he made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and assisting four. The 28-year-old striker was an infrequent starter and was criticised for his poor performances, contributing to Chelsea's 12th-place finish last season.

Sterling has made a better start to the season, leading a new-look Chelsea attack alongside new signing Nicolas Jackson under Pochettino. The former Liverpool and Manchester City striker scored twice and provided an assist as Chelsea beat newly promoted Luton 3-0 - their first win of the season.

"I spoke to the manager at the beginning of last week. We talked about my role and I know exactly what he wants from me. It's as simple as that. I need to defend and do what I do best. I want to attack defenders and get past them. That's what I do best," Sterling said.

Explaining the difficulties he experienced, Sterling said that he came to Chelsea during the club's transition period. However, the 28-year-old striker believes that the Stamford Bridge team has passed the most difficult period.

“I think the most important thing is to be able to take care of yourself. I'm the type of person who always tries to analyze what I'm doing. I look at my mistakes and what I can change,” he said.

Chelsea will next face AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday in the second round of the League Cup.

Duy Doan (according to Daily Mail )

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