RAHEEM Sterling is promising to rediscover his obsession with football after last night’s brace in the 3-0 win over Luton Town.
A fine individual effort broke the deadlock on 17minutes and the England international doubled his and Chelsea’s tally midway through the second half.
Sterling then turned provider for Nicolas Jackson’s 75th minute strike to cap a memorable evening for the attacker, who is aiming to put last year’s lacklustre campaign firmly behind him.
Sterling told Sky Sports: “There is a bit of frustration from last season from myself personally because I felt like I was always coming with my back to goal – bit deep and I was not giving myself enough chances towards the box.
“I had a conversation with the gaffer earlier last week and we’ve gone through the role and I know exactly what he needs from me and it is as simple as that.
“I need to get on the back foot and do what I do and drive at players and get on it and that is when I am most effective.
“Mindset wise, I came in a difficult period. Excuses – that is all finished.
“I think the most important thing I’ve had a look at myself and I’m a person that always tries to analyse what I’ve been doing, what I’ve done wrong, what I can change. It is as simple as that.
“I want to get back to being obsessed with football, just football 24/7 and nothing else – focus on top performances, goals and assists.”
Mauricio Pochettino is the fifth Chelsea manager Sterling has worked under since his arrival at Stamford Bridge just over a year ago from Manchester City for £47.5m million.
And the current Blues boss was certainly impressed by what he witnessed against the Hatters.
Poch said: “He deserves the full credit for his performance.
“I’m so pleased for him because he told me that it was a difficult season for him last season and I’m very pleased when the player is happy and when an offensive player can score and assists. For us it’s the best feeling.”
