Mauricio Pochettino defends Raheem Sterling, responds to jeers from Chelsea fans

On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea came through a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City with a 4-2 victory, prevailing after being pegged back during the second half.

Sterling supplied the assist for the Blues' second goal, Cole Palmer converting a low cross from close range, but the winger ended the game being jeered by his club's fans.

In the first half, Sterling took responsibility for a penalty, which he earned, despite Palmer boasting a 100% record from the spot in 2023-24, and he subsequently produced a horribly tame effort that was comfortably saved.

Prior to his assist, Sterling ran through on goal and fired wide when it appeared easier to score, while sending a second-half free kick from 20 yards considerably further off target was the final straw with the Chelsea fanbase.

Before his withdrawal later in the game, Sterling was roundly jeered, and Chelsea would go on to score two late goals after his substitution, his replacement Noni Madueke sealing the win with a fine individual effort in the closing seconds.

Speaking after the game, Pochettino was asked about the growing discontent, the Argentine also been booed for substituting the lively Mykhaylo Mudryk earlier in the game rather than Sterling.

However, Pochettino has doubled-down on his decisions, while also calling on supporters to avoid 'criticising' their own players.

He told BBC Sport: "We need to support him (Sterling), 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."

Chelsea, who join Coventry City, Manchester City and one of Manchester United or Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals, are now not back in action until they play host to Burnley on March 30.