🏟️Raheem Sterling has missed his last 3 penalties ❌ How do we solve his confidence crisis now?! 😳

Raheem Sterling’s recent struggles from the penalty spot—missing his last three attempts—highlight both a technical and psychological challenge that needs to be addressed. Given his stature as an experienced international player and a key attacker for Chelsea, it’s crucial to analyze the reasons behind his misses and develop strategies to restore his confidence.

 

 

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Why Has Sterling Missed His Last Three Penalties?

 

1. Technical Issues in His Penalty Taking

 

Inconsistent Technique: A good penalty taker needs a repeatable technique, but Sterling’s penalties have varied in approach. This inconsistency makes it harder for him to develop muscle memory and rhythm.

 

Placement vs. Power Dilemma: At times, Sterling appears undecided between going for power or placement. A lack of conviction in execution often leads to weak or poorly directed shots.

 

Predictability: Goalkeepers study player tendencies. If Sterling has been using the same run-up or placement pattern, goalkeepers might have caught on.

 

Poor Shot Selection: Is he choosing the right areas to place the ball? Ideally, penalties should be directed to the corners, making them difficult to reach, yet he may be placing them too centrally or at a comfortable height for goalkeepers.

 

 

2. Psychological Factors Affecting His Confidence

 

The Pressure of Responsibility: Missing one penalty can create doubt, but missing multiple increases the pressure exponentially. As a senior player, Sterling likely feels an added responsibility to score.

 

Overthinking the Process: Players who struggle with penalties often begin to second-guess themselves. Should he go left? Right? Should he change his approach? The more he overthinks, the less natural his execution becomes.

 

Fear of Failure: When a player starts missing, the fear of failing again creeps in. Instead of focusing on executing the shot properly, Sterling might be fixated on “not missing,” which ironically makes it more likely that he does.

 

Past Experiences & Pressure from Fans: Sterling has missed crucial penalties before, including in high-profile moments. The knowledge of past failures can make him hesitant.

 

 

3. External Factors

 

Goalkeeper Readiness: In the modern game, goalkeepers study penalty takers in detail. Sterling’s recent misses may indicate that goalkeepers are picking up on his tendencies.

 

Fatigue & Form: If a player isn’t at peak fitness or sharpness, penalty-taking precision may suffer.

 

Tactical Decision by the Club: If Sterling wasn’t originally meant to be the club’s primary penalty taker, but has taken on the role due to circumstances (injuries, player rotation), he may not feel as comfortable in that responsibility.

 

 

 

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How Do We Solve His Confidence Crisis?

 

Now that we’ve identified the problem, let’s look at potential solutions.

 

1. Mental & Psychological Boost

 

Penalty Confidence Drills: One-on-one coaching sessions to rebuild his confidence. Practicing in a controlled setting without the pressure of a match allows him to regain belief.

 

Sports Psychology & Visualization: Many top players work with sports psychologists to overcome mental hurdles. Sterling should visualize himself scoring penalties successfully, reinforcing a positive mindset.

 

A Temporary Break from Penalties: If confidence is low, Chelsea could temporarily take him off penalty duties to relieve the pressure. This would allow him to reset mentally.

 

 

2. Technical Adjustments

 

Studying Successful Penalty Takers: Sterling can analyze specialists like Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Jorginho to understand their approach.

 

Refining His Technique: A penalty taker should be decisive. Sterling should work on either:

 

Power-based approach (top corner/high accuracy shots).

 

Placement-based approach (low corners or sending the keeper the wrong way).

 

 

Pre-determined Placement Strategy: Instead of last-minute decisions, he could stick to a consistent placement technique.

 

 

3. In-Game Strategy

 

Taking Penalties in Less Pressured Moments: If Chelsea wins a penalty when they are already leading, allowing Sterling to take and convert one could help restore his confidence.

 

Scoring in Open Play: Even though penalties are separate from open play, Sterling finding the net through regular goals can help build his overall confidence.

 

 

4. Support from Manager & Teammates

 

Mauricio Pochettino’s Role: If Sterling is struggling mentally, the manager must support him publicly. Assuring Sterling that he remains a key figure, regardless of penalty struggles, can help.

 

Teammates Encouragement: Players like Reece James and Enzo Fernández can encourage him during training, helping him regain belief.

 

 

 

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Conclusion

 

Raheem Sterling’s penalty struggles are a mix of technical and psychological challenges. To regain confidence, he needs a clear, structured approach that includes mental strengthening, technical refinement, and strategic decision-making. If managed well, Sterling can return to being a reliable penalty taker and avoid this becoming a long-term issue. Chelsea must decide whether to persist with hi

m on penalties or allow him to step away temporarily while he works on his confidence.