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Mauricio Pochettino hits back at Raheem Sterling boos and tells fans ‘not to criticise’ after Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Leicester
Mauricio Pochettino has urged Chelsea fans to rally behind the team following the incident where Raheem Sterling was subjected to booing during their FA Cup victory.
Despite facing adversity, the Blues emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-2 win over Leicester City in injury time, courtesy of goals from substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke.
Although Leicester staged a comeback from a two-goal deficit and had defender Callum Doyle sent off in the second half, Chelsea faced challenges, particularly with Raheem Sterling missing crucial opportunities, including a first-half penalty and a one-on-one chance with Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.
A disappointing free-kick attempt further led to some Chelsea fans expressing their frustration by booing the star winger during the match.
Pochettino’s call for support underscores the importance of backing the team as they navigate challenges on the pitch.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, the Argentine said: “We need to support him, he’s an amazing player. He has more than 10 years experience in the Premier League. Of course I think the contribution was good. He was a little bit unlucky with some actions where he should have scored. But we are a team and we need to be there for everyone.
“Fans are entitled to show their emotion. For us we try to emphasise with our fans not to criticise. They want the best for our team and players. But we are in a project. We need support and to really believe. We are trying to build something.
“We are in a process to build the team. I know really well how to manage. What the fans want is to win the game and that we achieved. What the fans want is to go to Wembley and that we achieved. They need to trust me to manage in the way I think is the best way for the club.
“We need to respect their opinion as much as they need to respect my decision.”
Despite the tense conclusion to the game, Mauricio Pochettino will draw many positives from his team’s triumph. The win not only sustains the Blues’ aspirations of clinching silverware this season but also propels them into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
With the victory secured, Raheem Sterling will have an opportunity to take a break and focus on regaining his form, as Chelsea’s next fixture won’t occur until after the international break. Sterling’s recent decline in performance has also been a concern for Gareth Southgate, who has refrained from selecting the 29-year-old for the national team in recent times.