'I don't understand' - Mauricio Pochettino left baffled by Chelsea fans booing their own player in Raheem Sterling

The Chelsea boss defended Sterling after the winger was the subject of jeering after being substituted for Cole Palmer in the FA Cup victory in midweek. Pochettino said the England international was one his most committed players and called on the Blues support to continue to back the player. After a mixed first season, Sterling has been a key player for Chelsea this season and is aiming to return to the England squad ahead of the European Championship.

On the boos, Pochettino said: “Someone told me but I didn’t hear it. I have only been here nine months, I don’t understand why that happens. It is difficult to know why exactly. [Sterling] is fully committed to Chelsea, is doing well and he is always very committed. He is one of the players who is at 99 per cent of training sessions. Always training and always available. Sometimes he is good, sometimes not so good – like all players.”

Sterling has scored eight goals and registered nine assists for the Blues in all competitions this season. Only Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have scored more goals than Sterling, who may feel aggrieved to be the subject of criticism from the Chelsea faithful. This is not the first time he has been booed, either, with the Chelsea faithful often targeting him when things are not going well.

Sterling will have the chance to silence his Chelsea critics as the Blues make the short trip to Brentford on Saturday afternoon. The Blues lost the reverse fixture earlier in the season and will be intent on avenging their defeat.