"Doesn't deserve to start", "This is why Poch drives me insane" - Chelsea fans surprised by player's inclusion in XI for Bournemouth clash
Chelsea fans have reacted to Raheem Sterling's surprise inclusion in their starting lineup to face Bournemouth in the final Premier League match week of the season. The former Manchester City winger has not found much playing time in recent weeks, making his addition to the starting lineup unexpected.
The last time Sterling played a full match was in the Blues' 1-4 loss to Liverpool at Anfield on January 31. Since then, he has either been kept on the bench or substituted off during the game. More recently, though, he has not started a single match since Chelsea beat Leicester City 4-2 in the FA Cup on May 17, where he picked up an assist in the game.
Sterling did score off the bench against Nottingham Forest, playing just 17 minutes, before playing 21 minutes against Brighton in their last game. Because playing time has been hard to come by, Chelsea fans are surprised that manager Mauricio Pochettino has opted to start the winger against Bournemouth.
They took to social media to react:
"Chelsea fans will tell you sterling doesn’t deserve to start😂😂😂" one fan laughed.
"This is why Poch drives me insane. No reason to start Sterling over Nkunku. Absolutely none," a fan complained.
"From good football to sterling," another unhappy fan added.
"Why does Sterling start ahead of Nkunku? Seriously…" a fan questioned Pochettino.
"I kimd of miss Mudryk; I don't know why I prefer him to Sterling," another fan said.
"Sterling is starting so I don’t have any confidence in our win today," another added.
"sterling’s send off" a fan said.
Others added:
Mauricio Pochettino discusses lowest point in charge of Chelsea
After the Stamford Bridge hierarchy let Frank Lampard go at the end of last season, they opted to sign Mauricio Pochettino as the permanent manager. However, it has not been an easy season for the Argentine coach, who could be on the verge of an exit at the end of this season.
Asked about his lowest points, the former Tottenham manager revealed the struggles he faced after Chelsea lost to Wolves in February. He told the press (via Football London):
"I can be honest? We can be honest?. I think after Wolves. No, I didn't think we are going to be sacked, but it was a tough moment. That defeat at home was really tough, really tough. That was… At this moment, as a coach and a staff, you feel loneliness. When you feel like everyone is seeing you as if you're guilty of something and you don't know what's going on."
Pochettino will he can be given another season to continue the work he has started with the Chelsea squad, and potentially right the ship.