Mauricio Pochettino calls for "calm" over Raheem Sterling situation at Chelsea

In terms of numbers, Sterling has delivered a solid return since arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, contributing 17 goals and 14 assists from 74 appearances.

However, a lack of consistency and several questionable decisions made during games has resulted in the England international receiving criticism from his own fanbase.

During the FA Cup quarter-final with Leicester City before the international break, Sterling was roundly booed after a wayward free kick, the effort coming on the back of a missed penalty — after taking the ball off Cole Palmer — and a squandered one-on-one opening.

Speaking to the media after the game, Pochettino leapt to the defence of the 29-year-old, who continues to be linked with a transfer elsewhere in the summer.

Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen with Sterling said to be motivated to prove his doubters wrong, but he must first try to produce some positive performances during the run-in.

Ahead of another game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, this time against Burnley, Pochettino was naturally quizzed on the matter at a press conference, seemingly preferring to see both sides of the argument after a period of reflection.

Pochettino told reporters, as quoted by football.london: «It's about being calm now and accept the situation. The most important [thing] is to deal with this situation with our experience. We cannot create bigger things that were emotional at some point.

»I really believe our fans love our players and for sure they are going to support him and the result of the team. The teammates need to be good teammates and can talk and express the