Thomas Frank made his feelings clear on Raheem Sterling ahead of Chelsea clash

02 March 2024 , 06:00

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Brentford boss Thomas Frank (Image: PA)

Brentford are set to host Chelsea on Saturday, with both sides hoping to pick up an important victory.

Thomas Frank's side currently sit just five points above the relegation zone, having lost their last three Premier League games. Chelsea, meanwhile, are hoping to pick up another win having bounced back from their Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool by beating Leeds in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

In their first meeting earlier this season, Brentford beat Chelsea 2-0 thanks to goals from Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo. However, Frank was full of praise for the Blues ahead of the game and singled out winger Raheem Sterling in particular.

"Chelsea look really promising," he said at the time. "The players they have are very high quality. The talent and potential in the squad is extremely exciting. I can see the team competing in two years' time or maybe earlier, depending on how the development goes.

"Hopefully, we also have something to come with. We believe in ourselves and know we are a good team, we know we can create trouble for any team in this division. We need to bring that confidence and belief into that game against Chelsea.

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"Raheem Sterling is probably in his best age and is getting back to his high level. He has been the most dangerous player for Chelsea this season."

Sterling has been ever-present under Mauricio Pochettino, making 33 appearances across all competitions and making 17 goal contributions. Speaking earlier this month, Pochettino hailed the 29-year-old's performances this season.

Frank hailed Raheem Sterling as Chelsea's best player before Brentford face the Blues last October (Joe Toth/REX/Shutterstock)

"I think [Raheem] is doing really well," Pochettino said. "I am not going to compare [to last season] but I think this season he is doing really well for the team. The good thing is whether he plays or doesn't play, he is always positive and helpful.

"That is the most important thing for an experienced player like him given this project where we have young players. He is adding to the team goals and good performance, but also helping when he needs to wait, such as in the last two games."

Chelsea are currently 11th, but earned an impressive 1-1 draw with defending champions Manchester City in their last league game two weeks ago.

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Matthew Cooper