2 hours ago, just said:

Yes he did. But nowhere near the type of performances he has delivered against West Ham and Luton.

Obviously we are getting some posters saying they ALWAYS knew he would come good, and those of us who were vocal in saying we didn't think he was the player he once was have egg on our faces. OK fair enough, footballs a game of opinions, but many of them weren't saying that every week last season. Why? Because he didn't play well and he has admitted that himself. Some of it can be dumped at Potter's door, Lampard's door, weak players around him etc. But some of it also is down to him.

Anyway, personally, truly I never mind when I'm wrong on a player. Because if they do turn it round and start delivering consistently, it benefits Chelsea. And that's what we have had from Sterling in the last two games. Long may it continue.

PS. On the subject of opinions and wingers, when we were in for Antony Gordon the other season, several of Sterling's backers on here were quickly ridiculing the very few of us who thought he had the talent and it could be a good move. I wonder what they think now watching how he is playing for Newcastle?

It's too early to say just yet despite his last two performances but for me I was always hesitant to write him off based on last season, citing Pedro 15/16 compared to 16/17 as a cautionary tale.

Like Pedro, I always felt he'd improve once we had a system more suited to his strengths and better circumstances around the club.

1 hour ago, just said:

Yes he did. But nowhere near the type of performances he has delivered against West Ham and Luton.

Obviously we are getting some posters saying they ALWAYS knew he would come good, and those of us who were vocal in saying we didn't think he was the player he once was have egg on our faces. OK fair enough, footballs a game of opinions, but many of them weren't saying that every week last season. Why? Because he didn't play well and he has admitted that himself. Some of it can be dumped at Potter's door, Lampard's door, weak players around him etc. But some of it also is down to him.

Anyway, personally, truly I never mind when I'm wrong on a player. Because if they do turn it round and start delivering consistently, it benefits Chelsea. And that's what we have had from Sterling in the last two games. Long may it continue.

PS. On the subject of opinions and wingers, when we were in for Antony Gordon the other season, several of Sterling's backers on here were quickly ridiculing the very few of us who thought he had the talent and it could be a good move. I wonder what they think now watching how he is playing for Newcastle?

There is one thing criticising a player, but then there is a level to where it gets OTT. The stick Sterling has got has been way OTT. People pleading for him to be shipped of to Saudi. I don't have an issue when someone believes someone isn't good enough, but when criticism gets to disrespect and hatred, I do, especially for when he singled out. I will give a few quotes for instance, without naming people which is who I refer to as having to eat their words: 

Read these comments and make your judgement on the abuse one of our own players gets from their own 'supporters'. He took accountability for his worst season last season and said he wanted to improve but rather than get behind him, people pleaded for him to move, when our attacking options isn't filled with the greatest of talent yet.

These quotes are from 6 different people. I would never abuse our player like that who has never publicly disrespected us. 

"never want to see this lazy, wasteful motherf**ker in a chelsea shirt again."

 

"I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a Chelsea player so much. He’s lazy, doesn’t give a f*ck, gives the ball away carelessly, stops attacks completely, he stinks the place out.

F*ck him, Guardiola must have been laughing when we brought him."

"Please get rid. Hated him at Liverpool, never rated him much at City (tap in merchant). f**k him off, he's sh*t and very annoying to watch as he's a complete pussy and never puts a shift in. "

"When we needed a goal scorer some dick head thought it a good idea to waste £50m on this piece of .... Hats off to Pep for ripping us off."

"City reject. get out little man. "

17 minutes ago, STATS said:

There is one thing criticising a player, but then there is a level to where it gets OTT. The stick Sterling has got has been way OTT. People pleading for him to be shipped of to Saudi. I don't have an issue when someone believes someone isn't good enough, but when criticism gets to disrespect and hatred, I do, especially for when he singled out. I will give a few quotes for instance, without naming people which is who I refer to as having to eat their words: 

Read these comments and make your judgement on the abuse one of our own players gets from their own 'supporters'. He took accountability for his worst season last season and said he wanted to improve but rather than get behind him, people pleaded for him to move, when our attacking options isn't filled with the greatest of talent yet.

These quotes are from 6 different people. I would never abuse our player like that who has never publicly disrespected us. 

"never want to see this lazy, wasteful motherf**ker in a chelsea shirt again."

 

"I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a Chelsea player so much. He’s lazy, doesn’t give a f*ck, gives the ball away carelessly, stops attacks completely, he stinks the place out.

F*ck him, Guardiola must have been laughing when we brought him."

"Please get rid. Hated him at Liverpool, never rated him much at City (tap in merchant). f**k him off, he's sh*t and very annoying to watch as he's a complete pussy and never puts a shift in. "

"When we needed a goal scorer some dick head thought it a good idea to waste £50m on this piece of .... Hats off to Pep for ripping us off."

"City reject. get out little man. "

 

Yes, for sure I think it's OTT Stats. But whatever we think about it, Sterling isn't the first to have comments like these made about him. You only have to read through the Havertz thread to see that. And he won't be the last. It's a public football forum Stats. People think differently and express themselves differently. 

1 hour ago, OriginalS said:

Good question. If Sterling phoned it in (top scorer and top assister) then everyone else did too.

Personally I think Sterling was a easy scapegoat and many that wanted Potter initially projected his faults ontu Sterling, Tuchel and the other new signings. They couldn't excactly be overly critical of Potter two months into his tenure as they were dying for us to hire him in the first place so they had a go at specific players instead.

Oh Jesus! You have gotta be joking. Really?  Projecting on to him because of Potter!!!

Havertz scored 7 in the EPL 2 in the UCL, Sterling scored 6 in the EPL 3 in the UCL. 

Havertz also got slaughtered on here. Now I know it was because people were trying to deflect attention from Potter.

 

Three games into the season... One swallow don't make a summer. He's got to grind this form out for the entire season. signs look good, he's one of those players where he can make things look either really complicated or superbly easy. On his game he is the kid in the playground who leaves people for dead. We've all seen the other side too here he misses a sitter or pass. last two games he's the kind in the playground and I enjoy watching players like him. 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, just said:

Yes, for sure I think it's OTT Stats. But whatever we think about it, Sterling isn't the first to have comments like these made about him. You only have to read through the Havertz thread to see that. And he won't be the last. It's a public football forum Stats. People think differently and express themselves differently. 

Yes and when these people are now called out, then it is fair. Works two ways. If people feel it is right to express themselves when the player does well, then that is fair.

2 hours ago, just said:

I'm not sure if this is aimed at me? If it is I've never even entertained the thought that Sterling didn't want to be here. My own view is, with a couple of exceptions, he didn't play well last season, despite being one of the most experienced players we had. I also don't think he was playing well at the end of his time with City.

Who mostly played well last season? Well, Silva for sure. Badashile, Kante every match when he was fit, Hall when he got games, Madueke when Frank threw him in. Enzo and Chalobah also had more good games than bad ones IMO.

Did you think Sterling played well overall? Do you think no players had more good games than bad ones?

He didn’t play well at all for most of it but that doesn’t mean he didn’t give his all like some are accusing him of. They are essentially saying a professional footballer like Sterling with his experience deciding to not play to his potential last season he deliberately didn’t put in the effort. Now I am not saying that can’t happen but that’s a big accusation to make.

Funnily enough I remember the same accusations being levelled at Hazard, Cesc and Costa when Jose got sacked the second time. 
 

The entire Chelsea FC as organisations from board to the kit man had a horrible season but the constantly abuse Sterling gets just interest me as to why he’s the target.

I guess now Mount gone all the abuse is focused on him.

2 hours ago, STATS said:

There is one thing criticising a player, but then there is a level to where it gets OTT. The stick Sterling has got has been way OTT. People pleading for him to be shipped of to Saudi. I don't have an issue when someone believes someone isn't good enough, but when criticism gets to disrespect and hatred, I do, especially for when he singled out. I will give a few quotes for instance, without naming people which is who I refer to as having to eat their words: 

Read these comments and make your judgement on the abuse one of our own players gets from their own 'supporters'. He took accountability for his worst season last season and said he wanted to improve but rather than get behind him, people pleaded for him to move, when our attacking options isn't filled with the greatest of talent yet.

These quotes are from 6 different people. I would never abuse our player like that who has never publicly disrespected us. 

"never want to see this lazy, wasteful motherf**ker in a chelsea shirt again."

 

"I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a Chelsea player so much. He’s lazy, doesn’t give a f*ck, gives the ball away carelessly, stops attacks completely, he stinks the place out.

F*ck him, Guardiola must have been laughing when we brought him."

"Please get rid. Hated him at Liverpool, never rated him much at City (tap in merchant). f**k him off, he's sh*t and very annoying to watch as he's a complete pussy and never puts a shift in. "

"When we needed a goal scorer some dick head thought it a good idea to waste £50m on this piece of .... Hats off to Pep for ripping us off."

"City reject. get out little man. "

 

Pretty much sums it up and absolutely nailed it!!!

53 minutes ago, El regreso said:

He didn’t play well at all for most of it but that doesn’t mean he didn’t give his all like some are accusing him of. They are essentially saying a professional footballer like Sterling with his experience deciding to not play to his potential last season he deliberately didn’t put in the effort. Now I am not saying that can’t happen but that’s a big accusation to make.

Funnily enough I remember the same accusations being levelled at Hazard, Cesc and Costa when Jose got sacked the second time. 
 

The entire Chelsea FC as organisations from board to the kit man had a horrible season but the constantly abuse Sterling gets just interest me as to why he’s the target.

I guess now Mount gone all the abuse is focused on him.

You don't think there were any good moments at all? I think that's a bit OTT as well.

I've already listed some of the players I felt had more good games than bad over the course of the season. You don't feel anyone played well? Knocking Dortmund out of the UCL was enjoyable. Dismantling AC Milan in both legs were good moments. Yes, overall the season was a nightmare but there were a few bright spots in there IMO.

I think Sterling situation is quite simple. He was physically not right last season, that was maybe down to coaching but it can also be down to Sterling himself. 

However, it is far more difficult to beat player playing as st (unless you are Messi). Most of the time you will play with back behind the goal. 

As wb, you need to run back to defend your box so yeah it is harder to do mazy run because you will be tired with all the running. This is why most coach doesn't play their attacker as wb or rely on their wb to get goals. It is difficult asking them to do too much when they are already doing a lot defensively. 

 

I think the sterling haters completely ignored his record, but I do think it was reasonable to ask if his best was behind him despite his relatively young age. Look at Hazard, Real Madrid bought a bill of goods no matter how brilliant he was for us.

What this season shows is that Sterling is fit and motivated, and if that's the case then its obvious the fact that he has scored lots of goals and has assists and spent his entire career at two of the best clubs in the Premier League means he's a class player. Anyone that says different is welcome to their opinion but it will be biased.

As well as helping Sterling develop his own motivation, because it has to come from within, what Poch has done 100% correctly is put him at right wing and said that's where you are staying. Once Mudryck was injured would have been easy to shift him to the left but by leaving him on the right Sterling is getting the muscle memory and what ever it takes to be effective from there as he was for Liverpool. And he gets a chance to form one of those little 2 person/3 person units within a team that really make the whole thing happen. Initially that was Sterling and Reece and now it's going to be sterling and gusto. 

8 hours ago, El regreso said:

He didn’t play well at all for most of it but that doesn’t mean he didn’t give his all like some are accusing him of. They are essentially saying a professional footballer like Sterling with his experience deciding to not play to his potential last season he deliberately didn’t put in the effort. Now I am not saying that can’t happen but that’s a big accusation to make.

Funnily enough I remember the same accusations being levelled at Hazard, Cesc and Costa when Jose got sacked the second time. 
 

The entire Chelsea FC as organisations from board to the kit man had a horrible season but the constantly abuse Sterling gets just interest me as to why he’s the target.

I guess now Mount gone all the abuse is focused on him.

No - I am one of the vocal ones, and I am NOT saying he decided not to play to his potential. I am saying however that he didnt make an effort to do the things that he is now doing.

Lets talk specifics:

Last season he did not get the ball, turn and run at defenders.  He is doing that now.

Last season he rarely took people on. He is doing that now.

Last season he regularly lost the ball and didnt make an effort to fight and get it back.  The last 2 games he has fought for the ball significantly more.

Last season he played it safe for the majority of the time, and dialled in the performances. This season he appears to really be "having a go"

Last season he failed the eye test. This season he looks like he gives a sh*t.

All of the above has nothing to do with deciding to not to play to his potential - but it does point to a decision not to try to do those things.

 

Posters can blame the position he played, the managers he played for, the other players around him, the length of the grass, the food in cobham, the air quality of London, the boots he wore or whatever other nonsense to justify his performances last season. But the fact remains that he, himself, did not do the things last season that he has done the last 2 games.

 

Long may Sterling mk2 continue. If it does, then he will be a very very good player for us.

 

 

33 minutes ago, nonotnowjim said:

No - I am one of the vocal ones, and I am NOT saying he decided not to play to his potential. I am saying however that he didnt make an effort to do the things that he is now doing.

Lets talk specifics:

Last season he did not get the ball, turn and run at defenders.  He is doing that now.

Last season he rarely took people on. He is doing that now.

Last season he regularly lost the ball and didnt make an effort to fight and get it back.  The last 2 games he has fought for the ball significantly more.

Last season he played it safe for the majority of the time, and dialled in the performances. This season he appears to really be "having a go"

Last season he failed the eye test. This season he looks like he gives a sh*t.

All of the above has nothing to do with deciding to not to play to his potential - but it does point to a decision not to try to do those things.

 

Posters can blame the position he played, the managers he played for, the other players around him, the length of the grass, the food in cobham, the air quality of London, the boots he wore or whatever other nonsense to justify his performances last season. But the fact remains that he, himself, did not do the things last season that he has done the last 2 games.

 

Long may Sterling mk2 continue. If it does, then he will be a very very good player for us.

 

 

And he has already conceded himself that his performances weren't up to scratch last season. His diet was poor, he was heavy, and him along with the 4est of the squad were significantly unfit compared to the other teams in the league. There have been numerous comments coming out of the squad that they did more fitness and conditioning work in the first week of this pre season than the whole of last season

45 minutes ago, WhiteWall said:

And he has already conceded himself that his performances weren't up to scratch last season. His diet was poor, he was heavy, and him along with the 4est of the squad were significantly unfit compared to the other teams in the league. There have been numerous comments coming out of the squad that they did more fitness and conditioning work in the first week of this pre season than the whole of last season

Yep - and as a professional who earns millions every year, it is about bloody time that he had some professional pride to get things like diet, weight, fitness and effort are up to scratch. 

Again - it is easy to blame others, but if those things were wrong last season, and his performances suffered as a result, then he only has 1 player to blame.

I am a fat f**k who is bad in bed. But I can't blame my wife for it. If i started shovelling in carrots instead of cake, and went for a run instead of a w**k, then maybe I would be fitter and my performances in the sack would be up to par. 

 

13 hours ago, just said:

Oh Jesus! You have gotta be joking. Really?  Projecting on to him because of Potter!!!

Havertz scored 7 in the EPL 2 in the UCL, Sterling scored 6 in the EPL 3 in the UCL. 

Havertz also got slaughtered on here. Now I know it was because people were trying to deflect attention from Potter.

 

That lads got some problems when it comes to Potter, it's hilarious.

He looks Stronger, faster, fitter, and reconnected with his love of te game, I never lost faith, he just confused me hugely, going to benefit from Enzo, who can find him at will, going to score plenty I feel…

Very good article 

https://theathletic.com/4809485/2023/08/28/raheem-sterling-diet-pochettino/?source=user_shared_article 

3 hours ago, dkw said:

That lads got some problems when it comes to Potter, it's hilarious.

Here's you in a nutshell.

Someone's got a problem with the worst manager in the history of the football club: 😠🤬

Someone's got a massive problem with Tuchel, one of the most successful managers in our entire history 🧡🥳

Edited August 28, 20232 yr by OriginalS

8 hours ago, Ballack & Blu said:

He looks Stronger, faster, fitter, and reconnected with his love of te game, I never lost faith, he just confused me hugely, going to benefit from Enzo, who can find him at will, going to score plenty I feel…

He's admitted to "falling out of love with football" last season, which I do sympathise with as its horrible doing a job you hate, and the atmosphere at the club must have been difficult. 

He's now back obelsessed with the game and is playing with a lot more confidence and directness. Long may it last.

22 hours ago, just said:

Oh Jesus! You have gotta be joking. Really?  Projecting on to him because of Potter!!!

Havertz scored 7 in the EPL 2 in the UCL, Sterling scored 6 in the EPL 3 in the UCL. 

Havertz also got slaughtered on here. Now I know it was because people were trying to deflect attention from Potter.

 

Since you are often up for a debate i'll actually respond to you as well.

Havertz for me was among that group of players that was blamed for Potters failings. Along with Sterling, Koulibaly, Mount, Kovacic, Jorginho, Cucurella and others.

Basically a good bunch of players, and several so good that his predecessor had us fighting for almost every title two years running with them. But to me there was a lot of posts in the spirit of "how can there be any expectations on Potter with this lot of players" when the main man himself was clearly out of his depth

It wasn't exactly just Sterling that suffered greatly last season. Just about every single player declined and some decided that having us in a relegation form was mainly a player problem instead of addressing the obvious elephant in the room. So that was my point.

And obviously it was harder to address that elephant for those that wanted to sack Tuchel when we did (I know you didn't) than those who didn't. Those who wanted Tuchel sacked in favour of Potter even more so.

 

 

Quote

Gareth Southgate on Raheem Sterling's omission

Southgate said: 'It's a difficult call. Raheem isn't particularly happy about it and I understand that. I'm convinced he's going to have an excellent season at Chelsea.'

 

why England keeps this looser at job? and HARI MAGVAYER keeps his place, ludacris

on the other hand I'm glad that at least he won't get injured

 

 

Did he really not get selected? Wow. I mean good news for us but that is shocking. Especially when you see that Maguire was till called up. 

On 27/08/2023 at 19:18, STATS said:

There is one thing criticising a player, but then there is a level to where it gets OTT. The stick Sterling has got has been way OTT. People pleading for him to be shipped of to Saudi. I don't have an issue when someone believes someone isn't good enough, but when criticism gets to disrespect and hatred, I do, especially for when he singled out. I will give a few quotes for instance, without naming people which is who I refer to as having to eat their words: 

Read these comments and make your judgement on the abuse one of our own players gets from their own 'supporters'. He took accountability for his worst season last season and said he wanted to improve but rather than get behind him, people pleaded for him to move, when our attacking options isn't filled with the greatest of talent yet.

These quotes are from 6 different people. I would never abuse our player like that who has never publicly disrespected us. 

"never want to see this lazy, wasteful motherf**ker in a chelsea shirt again."

 

"I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a Chelsea player so much. He’s lazy, doesn’t give a f*ck, gives the ball away carelessly, stops attacks completely, he stinks the place out.

F*ck him, Guardiola must have been laughing when we brought him."

"Please get rid. Hated him at Liverpool, never rated him much at City (tap in merchant). f**k him off, he's sh*t and very annoying to watch as he's a complete pussy and never puts a shift in. "

"When we needed a goal scorer some dick head thought it a good idea to waste £50m on this piece of .... Hats off to Pep for ripping us off."

"City reject. get out little man. "

 

I wanted him gone too, and even more so when I watched the pre season games.

It's still too early to think he will have an outstanding season based on the games so far, but we all must be happy . 

Abuse that you've highlighted is all too common I'm afraid,  but passions run high , and social media enables this vitriol.

Good post though cheers 

51 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Did he really not get selected? Wow. I mean good news for us but that is shocking. Especially when you see that Maguire was till called up. 

Not to mention Phillips who doesn’t actually play the game of football these days & f**king Saudi-Henderson.

Southgate not setting a good example here, it’s an old pals club. Ridiculous. Hopefully it lights a fire under Sterling though and edges him on further. 

 

On 27/08/2023 at 19:18, STATS said:

I don't have an issue when someone believes someone isn't good enough, but when criticism gets to disrespect and hatred, I do, especially for when he singled out.

Spot on. I totally get what you mean. Very thin line between disliking a player and expressing that and bullying. Which then becomes like it's targeted and deliberately focused. 

I'm no exception, when it comes to expressing my dislike for a player or manager but I'll always be rational and provide statistical evidence that supports my view, keeping it to the football.

The name calling , insult hurling, is what gives the sport and it's fans sometimes the label of being toxic. Chelsea fans surely understand that better than most.

It's why I get very uneasy about unnecessary and indiscriminate abuse, and strongly voice my opinion. We shouldn't tolerate or encourage bullying.

Good post!