Pochettino urges, Sterling, Palmer, to celebrate if you score against Man City

Pochettino argued that, “When you score, it is the most beautiful feeling in your body and you cannot go, ‘Argh, no, I don’t want to celebrate'”

By Kehinde Okeowo

Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino has encouraged two of his strikers, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer to ignore the respect most players show their former clubs and celebrate their goals if they score against league champions, Man City in their upcoming Premier League (PL) clash. 

The Blues will face the Citizens in a league tie at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening and both Palmer and Sterling who were former players at Man City, will be in line to face Pep Guadiola’s men. 

The duo’s celebrations were muted when they scored in the 4-4 draw against Man City at Stamford Bridge in the first half of the season.

However, Pochettino has now demanded that the English stars should celebrate this time around if they score against the host.

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Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the Argentine tactician said: “If they celebrate, it is football. If they don’t celebrate and want to show respect, OK, but I think when you score a goal you need to celebrate. 

“You kill your former club and after you say ‘sorry’. When you play for different shirts and badges and clubs, you cannot stop your feelings.

“When you score, it is 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.”

Pochettino added: “You showed respect when you were there and you gave everything to the club and the badge and the people. But now you defend another shirt, you need to celebrate because you are part of another history.”