9 months ago
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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly singled out Raheem Sterling in a stinging dressing-room rallying cry.
The American burst into the Stamford Bridge dressing room following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last April with the intention of giving a pep-talk to his underperforming stars.
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According to The Telegraph, Boehly made a beeline for Sterling among others before labelling the team’s six-game winless run as ‘embarrassing'.
Sterling was first up for Boehly, who reportedly told the England international that he is a world-class player and could have been delivering more, in terms of performance and leadership.
The 29-year-old was closest to the dressing room door which could be the reason why he was spoken to before other members of the squad.
Alternatively, it could have been due to Sterling being the first marquee signing of Boehly’s Stamford Bridge tenure.
Sterling is believed to have taken the dressing down well and accepted the right of jeering fans having their say on the teams plight.
It also calls into question why Sterling has never been handed the captain's armband despite the captaincy being handed between younger stars such as Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Conor Gallagher.
The former Manchester City star returns to the Etihad this weekend – a place where he was celebrated during a trophy-laden seven-year spell.
The same cannot be said of his time in west London where supporters have regularly vented their frustration at the four-time Premier League winner.
The latest episode of fan unrest came after Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves earlier this month when Sterling was targeted, among others, for his below-par display.
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Sterling has not started for Chelsea since then, having played cameo roles in the away wins at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
Sterling’s hopes of a recall to the England squad ahead of Euro 2024 also hang in the balance with time running out to remind Gareth Southgate of his qualities.
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