Raheem Sterling | Arsenal Player (on loan)

[bluenova]

Personally, I hate these aggregator quotes when the full context of what Pep was saying is lost. Simply, it was Pep talking in generic terms yet again about "happy face". Something he has done repeatedly over the years.

Wonder why you've posted it on here? Do you think it was specifically about Sterling?

I think it's clear from Sterling's own comments that he wanted to play more, and wasn't happy when he didn't play.

As many have pointed out, as far as our attackers go, he's actually been one of the most used in the last couple of seasons. However, he's someone who rarely gets injured, and is known to recover quickly between matches, and had previously been playing a LOT more than most of the squad.

I suspect for Sterling that he's fit and raring to go every game, he's had a couple of seasons where he was the main man, and was on the verge of being considered one of the top few players in the world. It's no doubt frustrating that he played less in the next two seasons, (whether due to a slight drop off in form, or Foden, Bernardo, Mahrez improving around him, or the change in tactics), and clearly he feels that's mostly not his fault.

Given he was the longest serving member of the squad it's not a surprise that he's a little frustrated and wanted to move on for a fresh start.

 

[eastmanc]

It's very true though.

But I'd assume the psychologists at City had said the same to him. Its definately about mindset with sterling.

Funny thing is he might sort it out but be in a team where he gets a lot less chances

He is the ultimate confidence player. Pep wants every player to be technically excellent and I'm not sure Raz was at the level required for him to stay at City under this coach.

 

[eastmanc]

He was right though.. any time at all to think about it and Raz generally fucked it up

The King is dead, long live the King

He was right. You're right.

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

I’ve just watched a replay of the Villa game. What an amazing final contribution he made. Without the first goal the comeback might not have happened.

Dunno how Villa didn't defend it, but it's a shame we'll never get to see him with Haaland because I think he would have created a lot. Onwards, though.

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Refreshingly honest comments. Nothing negative, just how he felt and why he had to leave.
Both parties have moved on.

If he was truly being honest, there'd be some self-awareness that he was a passenger in many games and that Pep was maybe justified in not starting him.

 

[citymad]

He must’ve really been unhappy at City. Never saw him celebrate a goal like he did today. It was weird to see him smile so much.

 

[Trojan1962]

Needs to stay on the right wing to get the best out of him. He blasted another chance miles over the bar this afternoon

 

[Groke]

He must’ve really been unhappy at City. Never saw him celebrate a goal like he did today. It was weird to see him smile so much.

Laughing and joking with Kane after the game - would piss me off a bit if, God forbid, I was a Chelsea fan

 

[L4EV]

Needs to stay on the right wing to get the best out of him. He blasted another chance miles over the bar this afternoon

Chelsea weren’t linked with an out and out striker most of the window, the plan seemed to be a fluid front 3 with Sterling playing across the frontline. Sterling’s been there a few weeks and now Tuchel’s trying to get Aubameyang in. Has he now noticed something whilst working with Sterling?

 

[Afterthefact]

Dunno how Villa didn't defend it, but it's a shame we'll never get to see him with Haaland because I think he would have created a lot. Onwards, though.

It’s funny, he played the exact same cross in today against spurs and they too didn’t defend it, but in this case there was no one from Chelsea on the other end of it. Strange little moment of deja vu.