When Raheem Sterling finally spoke with Thomas Tuchel about his new role in Chelsea, Germany 's coach told 27-year-old he had a few different ideas about his game. Tuchel felt that Sterling tended to look for the ball at his feet and he said "get back" and "attack the box". In other words, look forward to it.
Chelsea training at his base in Cobham on Thursday afternoon, perfect for the atmosphere when Sterling sits in front of the media to be officially introduced as a Chelsea player. His recent past inevitably raises him two problems.
One was accused of racism at Chelsea as a player for Manchester City during a game in December 2018, and its supporters were permanently banned from Stamford Bridge. Another is his relationship withPep Guardiolaand how he suddenly fell out of favor with City.
Sterling is proactive, but intent on leaving such subjects behind and looking to his future.
This is very true of abuse issues. Sterling once again demonstrates an impressive level of maturity and progressiveness that others can learn from. One of the most talked about topics in his media integral discussion, especially when he signed for Chelsea, he admitted he was a 'turning point' in his life. It was a way to go to the club faced with the incident.
But players rarely think about it.
"I saw a short thing about it yesterday," he says. "First time I remember. It wasn't something that popped into my head. I can't let a personal incident change my perception of the club."
Nonetheless, radioactive The fallout changed his worldview. When asked if he will meet supporters now, it is very impressive.
"There is no hatred or malice towards individuals. It doesn't matter.
"My main focus is to move away from the racial stuff, to nurture and feed the young as I am growing up, and to have the world ahead and what to show." By showing them that if you take the time to take care of yourself, you can reveal a lot I was able to understand what the real purpose is, of course football is my main goal and talent, but the other thing that gives me the most joy is helping people. Since that incident, I have moved away from the racial aspect and focused on helping and nurturing young people.”
As his career also comes full circle, he is clearly Has grown into a very well-rounded individual. Sterling has admitted that returning to London after 22 years"makes sense" for both his career and his family.As a child he was famous for being locally talented in West London, but he laughed and said, "Maybe" Chelsea approached him when he was younger. There are hints that he wouldn't be here yet if things had gone the other way in .
When Sterling suddenly finds himself out of the team, he speaks somewhat cryptically about his relationship with Guardiola.
Surprise. ...a sudden turn of events. That's what I had to deal with and that's why I'm here.
I know what was the reason. } “Since I was 17, I have been a regular starter and in order to reach peak times in my career, it was unacceptable not to play regularly.
Sterling found his chances at City limited
(PA)
Tension and distance between managers and players increased at City's practice ground. Guardiola is undeniably intense, and some can enjoy it longer than others.But Sterling couldn't accept not playing.
That's why he was open to Chelsea when the move was made "towards the end of last season."
"He got a call when he was in Jamaica and said it was getting hot," Sterling says. "That's when I realized the seriousness.
"I felt that game time at [Man] City was limited for a variety of reasons and I couldn't afford to waste any more time. When I look to the future, I never wanted to look back and see the ups and downs, so I felt I needed to keep the same level and take on new challenges.”
Chelsea didn't have to sell him the club.
"There were a few other options, but this one was more suited to my personal goals. If you look at Chelsea over the past few years, it's been one of five finals. Four times in, it's a competitive team and I think it's only going to get better.So for me, with the new ownership and acquisition, it makes a lot of sense."
But, Tuchel sold the role.
"He told me my frankness. Always intimidating behind, always unwilling to step back, going backwards. But most importantly The thing is how to attack the box, and with fullbacks here, he said that's one of the things he'd like to see more of, so that was the conversation there.
If it is true that Sterling and Guardiola are not currently in a close relationship, the Catalan has definitely grown him as a player and changed his perspective. He says he knew "like the back of his hand." However, he may not end up like Chelsea.
Sterling doesn't see as many similarities between his new manager and his previous manager as he does with other managers.
"It's two different systems, two different styles of play. We have a lot of possessions here and City have a lot of possessions, but it's completely different. I want something different and I'm adjusting really well here it's honeymoon time now but it's kind of like when you're optimistic about something and dreaming about something it's It's me."
And from there you can only see forward.