Mauricio Pochettino backed Raheem Sterling in refuting Gareth Southgate’s decision to omit him from the England squad following Sterling’s standout performance in Chelsea’s 4-1 comeback victory against Burnley. Sterling, who hadn’t played for England since the World Cup due to a mix of injury and recovery focus, demonstrated his prowess by contributing to all four goals for Chelsea.
Pochettino emphasized that Sterling’s performance showcases what England might be missing and highlights the need for him in the national team. The Argentine manager praised Sterling’s experience and stressed the importance of demonstrating his worth through exceptional performance and goal-scoring.
In this game, Sterling’s contributions were pivotal, aiding Chelsea in a remarkable victory and contributing to his claim for a place in the national squad. He assisted in the equalizer and won a crucial penalty that led to a goal. Pochettino was enthusiastic about the overall team performance, applauding their consistency and expressing hopes for maintaining this level in the upcoming matches.
Despite Burnley’s challenges and consecutive home losses, Pochettino acknowledged their need to improve and adapt to the heightened competition in the league. Vincent Kompany, Sterling’s former teammate, highlighted the necessity of refining defensive foundations and leveling up the team’s skillsets to cope with the demanding environment.
Sterling’s performance, being a highlight of the game, reinforced Pochettino’s belief in the potential of the Chelsea team. He stressed the significance of every player being healthy and the fierce competition that would ensue, fostering growth and enhancing the team’s competitiveness.
Overall, Pochettino’s endorsement of Sterling’s abilities and the importance of his inclusion in the England squad were evident in his remarks, emphasizing the need for a player of Sterling’s caliber and experience to be part of the national team, especially in crucial international matches.
