UNITED KINGDOM (AFP) – Chelsea boss Graham Potter insisted Raheem Sterling will overcome his poor form ahead of the World Cup because the England winger has already proved his quality at the highest level.
Sterling has struggled since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in the close-season.
The 27-year-old has scored just twice since Potter’s arrival on September 8 to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel, with his latest lacklustre display coming in Chelsea’s limp 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
Despite his prolonged dip, Sterling is still expected to be a key figure for Gareth Southgate’s team when the World Cup gets underway in Qatar in two weeks.
Potter is confident Sterling’s track record will ensure he returns to his best sooner rather than later.
“You can tell by his reaction he is honest,” Potter said.
“Players go through moments in their career when it isn’t so positive and sometimes everything they touch is gold.”