21 August 2023 , 13:00
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Raheem Sterling is “raring to go” after a series of heart-to-heart chats with Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea boss Pochettino revealed he has had numerous conversations with Sterling over the course of pre-season and again before Sunday’s trip to West Ham. It has helped energise the England star who was outstanding at West Ham despite Chelsea’s defeat in the London derby.
Pochettino has been clear in those conversations about how central Sterling is to his plans, they can talk tactics and the ex-Manchester City forward is also a trusted senior voice. Sterling, 28, impressed in front of England boss Gareth Southgate at West Ham and regaining his place in the national squad will also be a target after he missed the end of last season through injury.
There was never any doubt about Sterling’s future at Chelsea despite a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge. But Pochettino’s best qualities are as a man manager and he is now charged with getting the best out of one of their most talented players.
Sterling said: “It was a difficult transition period last year. I was raring to go from the off season, looking to get back to the levels I know I can get to, it is as simple as that.
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"It’s about being aggressive. A lot of the time it’s back to goal so it was nice to get on the half turn. I’m a player that needs to be driving, action after action.
“If I’m not doing that I’m nowhere near my best, so that’s what I need to keep doing every time I get the ball. I have to turn, drive and be aggressive. That’s what I plan on doing.”
Chelsea have had a frustrating start to the campaign under Pochettino as they have gained just one point from two decent performances.
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Raheem Sterling speaks with manager Mauricio Pochettino during the match against West Ham (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)But Sterling has no doubt that once they start winning and gaining belief then Chelsea can enjoy a good season after last year’s frustrations.
He added: “Once we start winning games it will definitely feel better, and we can keep building from there.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea - despite their £380m summer outlay - look set to carry on spending with Pochettino admitting they could still be in the market for a striker and that could be more likely if they can offload Romelu Lukaku.
They are also closing in on a keeper after making a £12m bid for New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
The 23-year-old is Chelsea’s target to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined Real Madrid on loan this week. Talks are ongoing to sign the keeper from the MLS.