Report: Graham Potter may never use Raheem Sterling in this position again

Photo: Robin Jones/Getty Images

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New Chelsea manager Graham Potter has shown his tactical flexibility in the games he has taken charge of the club so far.

Potter opted to deploy Raheem Sterling as a right wing-back against Aston Villa, and it was a decision that backfired.

The Englishman struggled in that position in the first-half and had to be deployed in a more advanced role in the second-half, as Graham Potter made changes at half-time.

Reports claim that Potter may not use Sterling in that role anymore.

Discussing the decision to use Sterling in the role, Potter explained in his post-match press conference: “It can happen sometimes when you lose a key player, you need to try to get a feel.

“We tried to be back three in build-up and back four defensively with Raheem [Sterling as a wing-back].

“I thought we started the game quite well in the first 15 minutes but then we lost a bit of momentum and they were able to put pressure on, pick up second balls and get behind us.

“We had to make a change at half time I felt and the boys did it well. We’ve got options there.”

Explaining Sterling’s best position, Potter added: “Raheem can play high and wide in all those position, but clearly the balance of the team is one that we have to look at and find the right solutions.”