February 16th 2024.
Pochettino has a strong message for two of his Chelsea players ahead of their match against Manchester City. He states that they must not hold back if they happen to score against their former club. The team will be facing City on Saturday, and a victory for City could potentially put them at the top of the Premier League standings. However, the Blues are also in need of a win as they aim to move up the table, currently sitting at 10th place and 13 points behind the top four.
Pochettino's reliance on Cole Palmer, who has been a standout player for Chelsea since joining from City last summer, remains strong. The young England international has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 28 appearances so far, including a crucial late penalty against his former club in November. Alongside Palmer, Raheem Sterling is also expected to make an impact, despite facing criticism for his recent performances and lack of goals in the league.
In the previous encounter between these two sides, both Palmer and Sterling scored in a thrilling 4-4 draw. However, as former City players, their celebrations were muted. Pochettino, on the other hand, has made it clear that this time around, they should not hold back and should fully embrace the moment if they find the back of the net. He believes that scoring a goal is the most beautiful feeling for a player and they should not be afraid to celebrate, even against a former club.
Pochettino also defended Sterling, who has faced some backlash from his own fans for his performances at Chelsea. The manager praised the winger for his positive attitude and contribution to the team, stating that he is an important player for the club. Both Palmer and Sterling have spoken highly of their time at City and have a lot of respect for the club, its coaching staff, and the organization. However, now that they are playing for another team, Pochettino believes they should fully embrace their current club and celebrate their success without hesitation.
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