Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling has warned fans they must be patient as the club rebuilds.

Sterling says it will take time for Chelsea to return to a competitive level.

Sterling, 28, told The Sun: “Consistency and structure go hand in hand and City have that in abundance.

“My first few years at City were nothing like that. We were all over the place. They weren't the best.

“We had one management leave and another came in. Pep came in and, in the first season, played good football but it wasn't there. But there was structure and time to implement his way, get the right players and people buying into it.

“It's no coincidence that they are doing so well because they do it better than anybody else."