25 August 2023 , 21:48
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Raheem Sterling has shed light on the benefit he has gained from conversations with new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino after continuing his impressive start to the season against Luton.
The Blues forward scored twice against the Hatters, once in each half, to get his team up and running for the season. He also laid on the third for Nicolas Jackson, a first Premier League goal for the Senegal international.
Sterling looks like a different player to the one who struggled in his first season in West London. He impressed at West Ham, even though he failed to score, and the visit of Rob Edwards' side gave him another opportunity to take centre-stage.
"I was happy, obviously I think we started half decent against Liverpool and then with the loss last week we needed to get a win here, I'm just happy to contribute with that," the former Manchester City man told Sky Sports.
"It was a bit of frustration from last season from myself personally because I felt like I was always coming with my back to goal. A bit deep and I wasn't giving myself enough chances to get into the box.
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"I had a conversation with the gaffer earlier last week and we've gone through the role and I know exactly what he needs from me and it's as simple as that, I need to get on the back foot and do what I do and drive at players and get on it and that's when I'm most effective."
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Raheem Sterling celebrated with Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea beat Luton (AP)Sterling joined Chelsea as part of a huge spending spree in Todd Boehly's first window as owner. However, Thomas Tuchel - the manager who brought him in - was sacked less than a month into the season.
There was more spending in January under the now-departed Graham Potter, and more still under Pochettino. However, Sterling suggested things have changed in the year since his arrival.
"I came in a difficult period, that's all finished," he added.. "I think the most important thing, I've had a look at myself and I'm a person who always tries to analyse what I've been doing, what I've done wrong, what I can change.
"It's as simple as that, I want to get back to being obsessed with football. Just football 24/7 and nothing else and focus on top performances and goals and assists."
Next up for Chelsea is a Carabao Cup meeting with AFC Wimbledon, where Pochettino may decide to rotate his squad. Nottingham Forest will be the next visitors to Stamford Bridge in the league, with that game scheduled for September 2.