Sterling’s apology for horror penalty as boss backs him
MAURICIO POCHETTINO said Chelsea’s fans were entitled to boo Raheem Sterling during yesterday’s FA Cup victory but vowed to support the struggling forward who missed a series of chances — including a penalty. Sterling was moved last night to say sorry to the supporters, posting on Instagram: ‘Apologies for the penalty miss. I’ll be back 10 times stronger to help the team win and continue to fight for the badge every single day.’ Fans sang for Sterling to be hooked as Chelsea reached the semi-finals by beating Leicester. The 29-year-old, left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad, endured a wretched day as he scuffed a penalty after taking the ball from Cole Palmer, failed to finish a one-on-one and skied a free-kick from 18 yards, which led to widespread jeers. Pochettino was targeted by fans when he substituted Mykhailo Mudryk in the 78th minute instead of Sterling, who was eventually subbed in the 86th minute. Chelsea’s manager urged the supporters to trust him, saying: ‘What the fans want is to win and we achieved that. What the fans want is to go to Wembley and we achieved that. ‘They need to trust me to manage in the way I think is the best for the club. We need to respect their opinion as much as they need to respect mine.’ Asked if the anger worried him, Pochettino added: ‘No. I am not here to do what people want. Also, I am not stupid. I saw Mudryk and we analysed it and he was tired. He was doing some stretching and we thought he would not finish the game. We decided to go first for Mudryk, then for Raheem. We are professionals.’
Speaking specifically about Sterling, Pochettino added: ‘The feelings weren’t good for him but we are going to support him. He has an unbelievable c.v. ‘Today he missed the penalty and some chances but I am happy with him and I am going to support him. The fans live with expectation. The fans are entitled to say what they want. ‘I hope in the next game our fans will always be unconditionally behind the team because we are representing Chelsea. We want to make our fans happy and we are going to try.’ Pochettino added he had ‘no problem’ with Sterling taking the penalty instead of Palmer, who boasts a perfect record from the spot this season. Suggesting that Chelsea are having a good season under him, Pochettino continued: ‘In two different competitions, we are at Wembley. We need to enjoy it. I really believe in our fans. I really believe in the club.
‘I really believe in the staff that we have today and of course in our players. I am enjoying helping them achieve what they want. All together, we will succeed.’
Leicester manager Enzo Maresca said the dismissal of Callum Doyle changed the tie. ‘The fans can be very proud of the team,’ he said. ‘It is a shame we lost, but the way we tried to play is the important thing.’