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Pep Guardiola has explained that Raheem Sterling cannot be left out of Manchester City because he is so important to the team, pointing out his ‘physicality’ as a key feature.
While City have had an inconsistent start to the season, Sterling’s good form has continued and he has been one of the club’s best players, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 11 games in all competitions.
He’s been almost always present in the league, playing 532 minutes out of a possible 540, and only Rodri and goalkeeper Ederson have played 100 percent of the minutes so far.
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Next up for City is Sterling’s former club Liverpool and while it is still an early gate in the campaign, the match could have significant ramifications in the race for the Premier League title.
Before the game, Guardiola, who almost confirmed that Sterling would start in the game, was asked if the forward needed a break after playing so much soccer in what is expected to be a grueling season.
The Blues boss went on to explain how much Sterling has improved since taking over the club, and how he has become so crucial to the team as a result.
“I think he’s a better player than when he arrived and hopefully in four years he’ll be a better player than he is now,” said the Spaniard. “It is a process. He is an exceptional player, he plays every minute because of his physique and will be back on Sunday.”
“Of course, there will be a time when he takes a break but at the moment he is such an important player for us that we cannot leave him out but I am sure with his mentality and desire to win and improve a lot since he arrived.
Manchester City are preparing to face Liverpool in the biggest game of the season so far.
Pep Guardiola’s men are desperate to regain the Premier League title, but the champions are already back at the top of the table, and Sunday’s crunch at the Etihad Stadium, even so early in the season, is crucial for your chances of fighting for the crown.
City are five points behind the Merseysiders in the table, but they have a game in hand, so three points on Sunday could really see them back in the race.
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“All the credit to him. Hopefully in three, four or five years he will be a much better player than he is today.”
Guardiola was then asked if Sterling could one day be crowned the best player in the world, but that’s something the coach believes doesn’t matter and shouldn’t be focusing on.
“My advice is that I would tell you not to think about this. It doesn’t make sense,” Guardiola added. “Just enjoy your life, concentration and destiny will dictate who he is as a player, but he is one of the most fantastic players I have had in my coaching career so step by step it depends on him and his performance.”
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