Graham Potter backs misfiring Chelsea star Raheem Sterling ahead of Man City clash
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao cup clash against Manchester City as quoted by Football. London, Chelsea boss Graham Potter has thrown his weight behind underperforming English star Raheem Sterling and backed him to come good for the Blues.
Chelsea signed Sterling this summer from Man City and he was expected to be the superstar to spearhead them in attack this campaign. Although he is Chelsea’s top scorer this season, his numbers have been very poor and he has not contributed much to the team.
Sterling, in his prime, can be a top player as we have seen so many times during his time at Man City. However, something does not seem to be working for the talented English star and he himself was very self-critical when asked earlier this week.
The 27-year-old former Liverpool star has played 18 times for Chelsea across all competitions this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists until now. Sterling is capable of much more and these numbers are a pale shadow of the player he can be.
The English star will be hoping that a game against his former club Man City might just be what is needed to spark him back into form. If he can put in a solid show against Pep Guardiola’s side, he will go into the World Cup a much more confident player.
Speaking about Sterling, Potter felt that his poor form was partly to do with the poor form of the entire team which was not functioning well.
“As I’ve said before, I don’t think you can zoom into the individual. The team isn’t functioning as well as we would like, and that has an impact on individuals. I have no doubt about Raheem’s quality or Raheem’s ability. He’s a proven top, top player”
Gareth Southgate is expected to pick Sterling in his squad for the World Cup despite his indifferent form but considering the sheer attacking talent that the Three Lions possess, the Chelsea star will have to be at his best to start games for his nation.
The World Cup could be an opportunity for Sterling to revive his faltering season. If he can perform well for England, it will give him a lot of confidence that would help him translate similar performances for Chelsea as well for the rest of the season.
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Sterling at Chelsea hasn’t really worked out until now. However, considering the pedigree of the player, let’s not put it past him to turn his fortunes and become a key player for Potter this season and beyond.
