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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly singled out Raheem Sterling in dressing room chat
Raheem Sterling was singled out by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly when he ventured into the dressing room after a defeat last season.
The American was happy to make his presence felt after games and on one occasion took Sterling for a one-on-one chat following their loss to Brighton at Stamford Bridge back in April. Boehly wanted to remind the winger of his world class status but demand more from him in a leadership sense.
Sterling was spoken to individually before the whole squad was addressed, reports the Telegraph. The England international was the first major signing of the Boehly-era and he sits closest to the dressing room door, which may explain why the American approached him first.
The ex-Manchester City star is understood to have taken the criticism well before Boehly turned on the rest of the team, who underperformed immensely last term as Chelsea recorded their worst Premier League finish in well over two decades.
During his rant the American told the squad that their performances across the course of the campaign were ’embarrassing’. Boehly’s rousing speech did little to make a difference though as the Blues won just one of their final seven league games after the Brighton loss.
Frank Lampard found himself back in west London when Graham Potter was sacked mid-season. The duo were two of several men to occupy the Chelsea dugout last season as Boehly presided over a horror first campaign as the club’s owner, sacking Thomas Tuchel early on.
Sterling was signed when the German was still in charge but failed to replicate the form he showed previously in Manchester. The winger only scored nine times and has since lost his spot in the Three Lions squad with the Euros just months away.
He’s enjoyed a return to form at the start of the current campaign, only to be overlooked by Gareth Southgate. His performances have dipped in recent weeks however and he was jeered off by his own fans when he was hauled off during a 4-2 home loss against Wolves earlier this month.
The 29-year-old has not started for the Blues since with Mauricio Pochettino only handing him cameo appearances of the bench in Chelsea’s last two games against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
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World Cup 20264 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.