Away fans give Leroy some stick
FOUR days after Raheem Sterling was allegedly racially abused by fans at Chelsea, Manchester City matchwinner Leroy Sane appeared to be the subject of a verbal volley from the away section as he celebrated his equaliser against Hoffenheim.
The Germany international scored both goals in City’s 2-1 win, hitting his first on the stroke of half-time with an outrageous, dipping free-kick from the edge of the box.
Manager Pep Guardiola was unaware of the incident. But he said UEFA wouldd act if necessary.
‘I don’t know what at happened,’ he said. d. ‘UEFA is there. If it happened it’s bad news but I don’t know.’
Guardiola added d he did not think k twice about selecting ng Sterling, who impressed ssed without scoring. ‘ His performance per was excellent and he will improve,’ he said.
Sane, who has five goals in as many games, revealed he had second thoughts before hitting his sensational strike.
‘I was thinking of whether to shoot or not from the freekick,’ he said. ‘It was quite a distance. It was quite lucky.’
Ex-Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric’s gave the visitors the lead in the 16th minute with a penalty, but City hit back through Sane’s double.
Guardiola was full of praise for Sane’s opener. ‘ The first goal was beautiful,’ the Catalan said. ‘ The second goal was a bit lucky because his control was not good, but he finished it.’
The City boss was also full of praise for Phil Foden, who played 90 minutes after signing a five-and-a-half-year deal earlier this week. ‘He was incredible,’ Guardiola olaGuardiola said of the 18-year-old. ‘I neverne have doubts aboabout his quality. He lolooks skinny, not sstrong but he’s rreally strong. I think England has a diamond. It’s not eeasy to compete hehere but he’s incredible ibleincredible in training every day. HHe’ll have a lot of minutes ini future.’ City would have finished top of Group F regardless, after second- placed Lyon drew with Shakhtar Donetsk.
But the victory will restore City’s confidence after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, their first loss in the Premier League.
‘It is a different competition but for the stats it is good,’ Guardiola said. ‘It’s terrible when you lose and you try to break it and end it and win. Of course, it was important.’