8th October, 2023
Mauricio Pochettino heaped praise on Raheem Sterling after the forward put his England snub behind him to star in Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Burnley.
Sterling was involved in all four goals as the Blues came from behind to beat the promoted Clarets at Turf Moor, with the improving West Londoners earning their third straight win in all competitions.
The 28-year-old scored once but also forced an own goal from Ameen Al-Dakhil and won the penalty that was dispatched by Cole Palmer, while it was his bursting run and cross that eventually led to Nicolas Jackson’s game-sealing finish.
Pochettino said: “He was involved in the goals and I am so happy for him and so happy for the team.
“The team was good, the performance was fantastic, they deserve the praise. So happy for them and go to the international break with a different feeling to the last.”
Sterling ended the week on a positive note after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the second successive time.
But the Argentine tactician believes a Three Lions recall for the 82-cap international is only a matter of time if he continues to perform like he did on Saturday.
Pochettino added: “I think he deserves [and England place] and he is a player that knows he needs to perform and show the manager of the national team that he was wrong in his decision.
“Only with performance and scoring goals is he going to show that he deserves to go, nothing in between.
“When you are not involved with the squad like he was out, it’s about to show that you deserve. With performance is the only way to show that.”
Read more: Bowen and Watkins earn England recalls as Ward-Prowse misses out
Prior to the victory, Chelsea had failed to win any of the previous 19 matches they had conceded first in and Pochettino believes finally breaking that duck could prove significant for their season.
He said: “Always when you concede first and you need to break down the opponent always you feel proud when you achieve that.
“The team were playing well and with the chances conceded in a situation that was completely unfair, but the team were really good, solid, the whole team.”