Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, has encouraged Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling to embrace their talent and celebrate if they score against their former club, Manchester City, during tonight’s match at the Etihad Stadium.Pochettino on Palmer: “He’s a player that today when one person here in the staff said to me, ‘He’s from Manchester, but he looks Brazilian’. He has the capacity to adapt so quickly.” pic.twitter.com/7rWNkzUZrU— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) February 16, 2024 Pochettino praised Palmer as “clever” and “naughty,” drawing comparisons to Argentinean ace Angel Di Maria in his prime. He emphasized the importance of celebrating goals, stating that it is a natural expression of joy and a significant moment in a player’s career.”If they celebrate, it’s football. When you score, it’s the most beautiful feeling in your body, and you cannot go, ‘Argh, no, I don’t want to celebrate.’ You need to. You are now playing for another team.”Regarding Sterling’s contributions, Pochettino highlighted his positive attitude and role within the team. He expressed confidence in Sterling’s abilities and acknowledged the significance of scoring against his former club.”It should be special to score at the Etihad, but always it’s special. I don’t believe he needs to prove anything. Like Cole, they are both grateful for the period they were there.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7881168##Pochettino also provided insights into Palmer’s development, likening his style to Di Maria’s competitiveness and skill on the pitch. He emphasized the 21-year-old’s intelligence and potential for growth, acknowledging his contributions to the team. And Palmer’s former coach admitted the young Englishman would have still be at City if he hadn’t driven him out by his team selection choices. Guardiola discussed his reasoning for not playing Palmer and acknowledged his responsibility to keep the youngster on the bench, ultimately leading to his departure. When asked if Palmer would have stayed had he been given more playing time, the Catalan tactician drew comparisons to players like Phil Foden, who played regularly as a youngster, and developed into a great player at the expense of Jadon Sancho, who also left the team in search of more playing minutes.”If he could play regularly as has happened, yes. We didn’t have any doubts about his quality. The way he is playing, he’s already an exceptional player. He travelled to move on. He wanted the minutes; it was a question of time to show his immense quality. He is a lovely lad, and he helped us achieve what we achieved.”Manchester City’s Jack Grealish is unable to play tonight due to a muscle problem he sustained during the Copenhagen game. Bernardo Silva was also injured in the same game from a heavy tackle and is getting evaluated. Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol remains out with an ankle injury. Mateo Kovacic and Sergio Gomez are now back in contention after resuming training. “He’s an exceptional player”Pep Guardiola talking about Cole Palmer. Is it one of his mind games?#MCICHE pic.twitter.com/b50aB1IjpG— #AFCON2023 🏆 (@iamMightyGeorge) February 17, 2024 For the visitors, Thiago Silva is also out due to a groin injury he suffered against Crystal Palace. Although Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill had minor issues in the previous game, they are fit to play. However, Carney Chukwuemeka is absent due to a twisted ankle. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is set to come back to the matchday squad after being absent for two months due to a knee problem.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUESaturday15.30: (5.40) Brentford (4.00) Liverpool (1.62)18.00: (9.50) Burnley (5.30) Arsenal (1.32)18.00: (3.10) Fulham (3.60) Aston Villa (2.35)18.00: (2.50) Nott.Forest (3.45) West Ham (2.95)18.00: (1.83) Newcastle (3.70) Bournemouth (4.20)20.30: (1.37) Man.City (5.10) Chelsea (7.75)Sunday17.00: (5.10) Sheffield Utd (3.70) Brighton (1.70)19.30: (4.10) Luton (4.00) Man.Utd. (1.80)Monday23.00: (1.80) Everton (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.10)***odds are subject to change
