Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has weighed in on Raheem Sterling’s struggles during his time at Stamford Bridge, attributing the player’s difficulties to his own failings rather than external factors. According to Gallas, despite spending two seasons at Chelsea, Sterling’s performances were underwhelming, failing to live up to the expectations set after his illustrious spell at Manchester City. During his tenure at Chelsea, Sterling managed to net 19 goals and contribute 12 assists. However, for a player of his caliber and the high hopes that accompanied his arrival, Gallas believes these statistics fell short of what was required.
Sterling’s exclusion from Chelsea’s starting lineup under the new management of Enzo Maresca further highlighted his fall from grace. His absence in Chelsea’s opening matches this season seemed to confirm that the club no longer saw him as an essential part of their plans. As a result, Sterling made the decision to move on, eventually securing a loan move to Arsenal, a club that has been flourishing under the leadership of Mikel Arteta.
In Gallas’s view, while it’s easy to criticize Chelsea’s transfer strategies and the club’s overall management, the responsibility for Sterling’s struggles ultimately lies with the player himself. Gallas was forthright in his assessment, stating that Sterling had not lived up to the expectations placed upon him during his two-year stint at Chelsea. He remarked that the player’s inconsistent performances were the primary reason behind his exclusion from the squad and his subsequent departure.
Gallas went on to argue that Sterling’s numbers—19 goals and 12 assists—simply weren’t reflective of a top-tier forward. For a player who was once one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers at Manchester City, these figures highlighted a significant drop in form. Gallas pointed out that at a club like Chelsea, where the pressure to perform is immense, such statistics made it difficult for any manager, including Maresca, to justify keeping Sterling in the starting lineup. In Gallas’s eyes, Maresca’s decision to exclude Sterling was justified, and it was time for the player to face up to his own shortcomings.
The former Chelsea defender also emphasized the importance of players taking responsibility for their own performances rather than blaming external factors such as management or tactics. Gallas suggested that Sterling’s failure to replicate the form he showed at Manchester City was a result of his inability to adapt to the demands at Chelsea, rather than any specific failures on the part of the club. He believes that too often, players are quick to deflect blame, but ultimately, it is up to them to deliver on the pitch.
However, Gallas also sees a potential silver lining in Sterling’s move to Arsenal. The loan deal offers Sterling a fresh start and an opportunity to reignite his career. Given Sterling’s previous working relationship with Mikel Arteta during their time together at Manchester City, Gallas is optimistic that the familiarity between the two could help Sterling rediscover his best form. Arteta’s management style, which has proven successful in developing and nurturing players at Arsenal, could be just what Sterling needs to rebuild his confidence and get back to performing at the highest level.
Gallas is hopeful that with the right support from Arteta, Sterling can once again become the player who terrorized defenses during his time at Manchester City. The move to Arsenal could be the reset Sterling needs, providing him with the platform to showcase his abilities in a system that suits his style of play. Gallas believes that if Sterling approaches this new chapter with a positive mindset and a determination to succeed, he has every chance of thriving at Arsenal.
Nonetheless, Sterling’s loan spell at Arsenal is likely to be a defining moment in his career. His performances over the coming months will be scrutinized closely, as critics and fans alike look to see whether he can regain the form that once made him one of England’s top forwards. Should he fail to impress, it may further cement the doubts expressed by his detractors. On the other hand, a successful stint at Arsenal could restore his reputation and silence those who have questioned his ability.
All eyes will now be on how Sterling adjusts to his new surroundings at Arsenal and whether he can rise to the occasion. The move represents a pivotal opportunity for him to prove his doubters wrong and recapture the brilliance that made him a standout performer at Manchester City. If he can do so, Sterling may yet have a bright future ahead of him, both at Arsenal and in his career overall.