Mauricio Pochettino makes stance clear on Raheem Sterling after Chelsea star booed by own fans

Mauricio Pochettino makes stance clear on Raheem Sterling after Chelsea star booed by own fans

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Chelsea progress in the FA Cup

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 17/03/2024

- 15:26

Updated: 17/03/2024

- 16:19

The England international was subject to criticism from Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has called on fans to throw their support behind Raheem Sterling after the winger was subject to boos on Sunday.

Sterling had an afternoon to forget in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester, missing a penalty and being generally wayward in front of goal.



The England star took the responsibility away from Cole Palmer in taking a penalty in the 26th minute of the match at Stamford Bridge.

However, his effort was easily saved by Leicester keeper Jakub Stolarczyk, with the rebound falling kindly for the visitors and sparking strong criticism on social media.

Mauricio Pochettino and Raheem Sterling

Mauricio Pochettino has called on Chelsea fans to get behind Raheem Sterling

Getty

Sterling then sent a one-on-one well wide of the post when it looked easier to score.

He made some amends when he laid on an assist for Cole Palmer to make it 2-0 to Chelsea just before half-time.

But Sterling's nightmare continued in the second half when he ballooned a free kick way over the bar.

Chelsea fans could be heard audibly booing Sterling after the incident, while boos were also heard when he was substituted in the 86th minute.

Some supporters did clap Sterling, who didn't hide despite a difficult afternoon for the former Liverpool and Manchester City star.

Pochettino says fans are welcome to their opinions but says they need to get behind their own players.

He said: "We need to support him, he's an amazing player. He has more than 10 years of experience in the Premier League.

"Of course I think the contribution was good. He was a little bit unlucky with some actions where he should have scored. But we are a team and we need to be there for everyone.

"Fans are entitled to show their emotion. For us we try to emphasise with our fans not to criticise.

"They want the best for our team and players. But we are in a project. We need support and to really believe. We are trying to build something."

Chelsea took the lead in just the 13th minute when good work from Nicolas Jackson set up Marc Cucurella at the back post.

Palmer's goal on the stroke of half-time suggested Chelsea were in for a comfortable afternoon.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Raheem Sterling and Mauricio Pochettino

Raheem Sterling had a difficult afternoon for Chelsea against Leicester

Getty

But an incredible own goal by Axel Disasi brought Leicester back into the game six minutes into the second half.

The Frenchman's heavy backpass inadvertently beat his own goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from fully 30 yards out.

Leicester were then level thanks to a moment of brilliance from Stephy Mavididi, curling in an unstoppable strike.

But the game turned when Callum Doyle was sent off for denying Jackson a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Chelsea finally made their advantage count through substitute Carney Chukwuemeka before a long-range strike from Noni Madueke sealed a 4-2 win and another trip to Wembley.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling missed a penalty and was booed by some Chelsea fans

Getty

Pochettino was also under fire from some supporters, especially when he took off Mykhaylo Mudryk.

But the Argentine has called for trust from the fans, adding: "We are in a process to build the team. I know really well how to manage.

"What the fans want is to win the game and that we achieved. What the fans want is to go to Wembley and that we achieved.

"They need to trust me to manage in the way I think is the best way for the club.

"We need to respect their opinion as much as they need to respect my decision."

You may like