DUTCH MASTER RON’S CHAMPS
an uncertainty over Sterling’s place in Pep’s pecking order.
Those questions were Sterling’s motivation.
He explained: “When there’s doubt, that’s when I’m at my best. When I feel I’m under threat or under pressure, that brings the best out of me.
“In the summer, I saw Bernardo signed, I had played against him and thought he’s a great player.
“I thought to myself that when I got back, I will make sure I’m on it because there’s more competition.
“You see stuff like I might not be in the squad, I then think, ‘OK, cool, we’ll see about that’.
“Stuff like that brings the best out of me.” While Sterling is rightly proud of his own development, there is no doubt Guardiola’s input has been a major factor.
Sterling said: “He’s a good person, especially for the younger players. He has a good personality and he’s a great manager.”
Unsurprisingly, Pep’s love can also be tough love.
“He lets you know when he’s not happy with you,” smiled Sterling. “I remember coming on against Crystal Palace.
“I lost the ball three times. I didn’t think I was going to play until the end of the season after he killed me in the dressing room.
“A manager like that brings the best out of you but he makes sure to tell you when wrong.”
It is obvious Sterling can deal with being told he is in the wrong, he can deal with the type of negativity that underpinned his last contribution to a major tournament, because going into Russia 2018, his natural positivity is undimmed.
He said: “Why not just be positive? If you want your country to do as well as everyone says, bring a positive light to it.
“We know what we can do, I believe in what we can do... trust me, I think you’ll definitely see a better England.”
And a better Raheem Sterling, no doubt. you’re in the Butland Walker Stones Tarkowski Trippier Dier Cook Young Sterling Alli Vardy Donnarunna Zappacosta Bonucci Rugani De Sciglio Parolo Jorginho Pellegrini Candreva Belotti Insigne
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HOLLAND recovered from their defeat to England by thumping Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Champions.
The Dutch tore through a Portugal side which made nine changes from their win against Egypt.
Ex-manchester United flop Memphis Depay grabbed the opener on 11 minutes with former Liverpool star Ryan Babel adding a second just after the half hour.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (above) made it three just before halftime in Geneva. Portugal had Joao Cancelo sent off for a second yellow.
The game was held up twice in the second half as pitch invaders tried to get selfies with Ronaldo.