da betsson： Mauricio Pochettino has called on Chelsea fans to support the team after Raheem Sterling was booed during their FA Cup victory.
da apostebet： Article continues below
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Chelsea win 4-2 against LeicesterSterling booed after penalty missPochettino defends Sterling from criticismGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Blues defeated Leicester City 4-2 in the FA Cup in injury time thanks to goals from substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke. The Foxes had come back from a two-goal deficit but had defender Callum Doyle sent off in the second half. It could have been easier for Chelsea if Sterling had converted a first-half penalty or a one-on-one with Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. A dismal free-kick effort also saw some Chelsea fans boo the star winger during the match.
AdvertisementWHAT POCHETTINO SAID
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, the Argentine said: "We need to support him, 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."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the very tight end to the game, Pochettino will take a lot of positives from his team's win. The victory also keeps the Blues' hopes of winning silverware alive this season as they progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
WHAT NEXT FOR STERLING?
Sterling will have some time off now to try and regain some form as Chelsea will not be back in action until after the international break. Sterling's falling standards have also been an issue for Gareth Southgate, who hasn't called up the 29-year-old for quite some time for the national team.