Raheem Sterling wants to be ‘obsessed’ with football again after his brace in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Luton – as star reflects on last season’s ‘frustration’ and reveals his chat with Mauricio Pochettino

Raheem Sterling revealed he wants to be ‘obsessed’ with football again after a standout display in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Luton Town on Friday.

The England international scored twice against the newly promoted Hatters to give Mauricio Pochettino his first win as Chelsea boss.

Sterling has started the season well, showing signs of promise in the opening weekend against Liverpool and last week’s defeat to West Ham, and the 28-year-old capped off a fine display against Luton with his first goals of the season. .

After the match, he spoke of his motivation to improve after a difficult first campaign at Stamford Bridge.

He told Sky Sports: ‘I want to get obsessed with football again. Just 24/7 football and nothing else and focus on top performances and goals and assists.

The England star credited Mauricio Pochettino for his promising start to the season

“It was a little frustration from last season, from myself personally, because I felt like I always had my back to goal. A little deep and I didn’t give myself enough chances to get into the box.’

Sterling has started the season in a revamped frontline alongside summer signing Nicolas Jackson, who scored his first goal for the Blues to complete the 3-0 win.

And the former Manchester City man was quick to thank Pochettino for his good start to the new season.

He said: ‘I had a conversation with the gaffer earlier last week and we went through the role and I know exactly what he needs from me and it’s as simple as that.

“I have to get on the back foot and do what I do, drive players and respond to them, and that’s when I’m most effective.

Sterling was part of a revamped front line alongside Nicolas Jackson’s summer signing

Pochettino will lean on the 28-year-old if he wants to help the Blues move up this season

“I came (to Chelsea) in a difficult period, that’s all over. I think the most important thing is that I’ve looked at myself and I’m someone who always tries to analyze what I’ve done, what I’ve done wrong, what I can change.’

Sterling found the net just nine times last season as Chelsea fell to twelfth in the Premier League.

However, it now looks as though he will be given a new life under Pochettino and will be an essential part of any attempt to move up the league table this season.

Chelsea will return to action next week when they face AFC WImbledon in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.