Football

Chelsea boss Graham Potter says there is ‘more to come’ from struggling forward

Chelsea boss Graham Potter says there is ‘more to come’ from struggling forward

Chelsea manager Graham Potter says there is ‘more to come’ from Raheem Sterling, admitting that the current period has been challenging for everyone associated with the club.

Sterling joined the Blues last summer in a £47.5 million transfer from Manchester City, who Chelsea come up against tonight in the Premier League.

The winger is Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions this season with six goals. He also has three assists. But his manager believes there is more to come from the England international, as reported by the Mirror.

Potter: Chelsea can help Sterling improve

The Blues currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, in what has been a disappointing season for the west London outfit so far. Sterling has been bright on occasion, but Potter knows there is still another level to come from his winger.

The ex-Liverpool and Man City man has over 100 Premier League goals to his name, including the opener in the most recent match against Nottingham Forest.

“I think it has been a challenge for him,” said Potter. “It has been a challenging period for everybody. There is a lot of change and a lot of things have happened. In that regard it is never easy to completely settle and hit the ground running.

“There is more to come from Raheem I am sure. But he gives his best every day and we need to help him get to the level we know he can get to.”

Potter reflects on journey so far

It has been quite the rise for Potter, who not so long ago was managing Ostersunds FK in Sweden. Spells at Swansea and Brighton followed, with the boss then taking over Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea in September.

While Potter admits he can improve in the dugout, he believes that his accomplishments so far have earned him plenty of respect, saying: “It feels a lot longer than four months, it has been a season that is unique.

“We see Manchester City as a chance to play against a team who are one of the best in the world. It will be complicated and tough but you need these ones.

“As much as we want to win and it is not acceptable to lose, part of the game is dropping points. It is not succeeding and you have to suffer and try to get better.

“When I think back, a lot of the things that have got me to this point are the setbacks and moments of struggle. It is not like the people who are criticising you are 100% wrong, you get that.

“But people in the game who have played against my teams and know the work I have done, there is a general level of respect.”

Chelsea

Blues preparing for double showdown with City

Chelsea go into the meeting with Manchester City low on confidence, with just one win in their previous six matches.

Moreover, they have won just one of their last eight Premier League games. Their 20 league goals this season puts them well behind every other club in the top 10 in this regard.

Thursday’s match against Pep Guardiola’s side will then be repeated this weekend, with the two clubs coming together in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

The pair had only recently met in the League Cup third round in November, with the Manchester outfit winning 2-0 at the Etihad.


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