Sterling started in our FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The 29-year-old missed a first-half penalty – which he had won – but responded to create Chelsea's second goal of the game, which was scored by Cole Palmer.

That was Sterling's 15th goal involvement across all competitions this season. It is a tally only Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, who fashioned our opener against the Foxes, have bettered this term.

And Pochettino has stressed the need to support the England international and reiterated the winger's importance to the team.

‘The feelings weren’t good for him but I’m going to support him and we’re going to support him,' said the Chelsea head coach. 'He has an unbelievable CV, is a player who has played in big teams and is very experienced.

'He missed the penalty and some chances but I am happy with him and we are going to support him. It is a chance to show we are building something with this support and for sure he is going to deliver in a game that he needs to help the team.'

Pochettino continued: 'We want to create a better atmosphere. I cannot lie. I hope in the next game our fans are behind the team because we are representing Chelsea.

'The players want to give their best for the club and the fans – and we are in a process where we want to make our fans happy. We hope that for the rest of the season, we can create a good connection.'

Chukwuemeka, a boyhood Chelsea supporter, has echoed the view of his head coach and also highlighted the behind-the-scenes leadership Sterling has showcased at our training base in Cobham.

He said: ‘Everyone is human and sometimes you can’t control your emotions, but we need to trust the process as a team, fans included.

'For us young players, especially me, Noni (Madueke) and Cole, Raheem has helped a lot. He is always on us, showing us what we can do better, and what we can improve on outside of football as well as in football. He’s like a big brother to me.

‘He is an experienced player and he’s had an amazing career. We know what a great player he is. He’s contributed to goals and assists and has won so many penalties for the team this season.

'But he is human and players miss chances and have an off day. It happens. But we stay behind him – and he still got the assist for Cole’s goal.'