Graham Potter has insisted Raheem Sterling is “as good as you can be” after being burgled while at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Chelsea attacker flew back to be with his family and missed England’s victory over Senegal.
“As excellent as you can be”, manager Potter noted, “He is good. At this point, all we can do is ensure that he is as secure as we reasonably can.”
Sterling is anticipated to play in Tuesday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at home, and Potter has noted that the player relished his time in Qatar.
Though Sterling looked upbeat about it, but Potter said he returned focused on the game and aware that he and his team “could all do a little bit better”.
Sterling has only scored five goals this season while Chelsea have lost their last three league games, knocking them out of the European qualification spots. “It would be inaccurate to claim that Raheem has been performing at the pinnacle of his abilities, but he is not the only one,” said Potter.
“It’s my job to make the squad run more smoothly so he can perform better.”
Meanwhile, Reece James, who was injured and was left off the England squad, has also needed Potter’s assistance.
‘It was a challenging period for him,’ Potter said of the right back, who will be in Tuesday’s squad. ‘But you have to focus on the things you can control.’
On the other hand, Chelsea and Monaco are still in talks on a £35 million transfer for defender Benoit Badiashile.
The left-sided center defender, who is 21 years old, can play in a three or four-man defense and would provide Potter more tactical options.
Due to the stalemate in his contract negotiations, Newcastle has made Chelsea midfielder Jorginho their top target for the January transfer window. The 31-year-old international from Italy has a summer contract expiration.
The brothers of France striker Marcus and son of renowned defender Lilian, Youri Tielemans of Leicester and Khephren Thuram of Nice, have also been brought up by Newcastle.
Graham Potter
Graham Stephen Potter, a professional football manager and former player from England, was born on May 20, 1975. He is now Chelsea’s head coach in the Premier League.
With the Swedish team stersund, Potter launched his professional managing career in January 2011.With stersund, he earned three promotions and the Svenska Cupen, helping them advance to the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League knockout round.
In June 2018, he was named manager of Championship team Swansea City. A year later, he moved on to coach Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.
He was appointed Chelsea’s head coach in 2022.
Sterling House Burgled
According to reports, Sterling’s home was broken into early this month, forcing him to flee from the World Cup.
The Chelsea star withdrew from England’s match against Senegal in the round of 16 after becoming aware of the invasion at his Surrey house.
“Sterling won’t take the field”, the FA spokesperson announced then.
The statement read further: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
Just hours before the Three Lions were scheduled to face the champions of the African Cup of Nations, the shocking announcement was made.