PEP’S STER WARNING

PEP GUARDIOLA has challenged Raheem Sterling to find his own way back to form – or risk playing back-up to Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez.

The Manchester City and England attacker has gone from star turn to a supporting role at

The Etihad with Guardiola favouring the cutting edge and goals of Foden and Mahrez ahead of stuttering Sterling.

He was a revelation last season scoring 35 goals in 57 games for club and country. This time he’s scored only 15 in 47 – and is sweating on a starting place in today’s Carabao Cup Final against Tottenham at Wembley as City try to secure the first leg of their treble bid. And

t’s all down to prove he’s worth City’s other top is hardline damage the uro chances England this mmer. He said:

“Raheem is an extraordinary player. Always was, is and always will be. As to what will happen with his international manager in the summer, I’m sorry, I am not involved.

“I would love it if he was a star of the Euros. I would like that for him, I’ve said it many times. The reason he is not having the same impact this season and playing games as regularly as he was in previous seasons is that Riyad and Phil are in top, top form.

“They are scoring goals and playing really well. That is the only reason he has not been in the team but the opportunities are going to come. And he has to be ready to show his quality, show the incredible strengths that he has.

“It is not about confidence. My squad are top-class players and each one has to take confidence. It is a way to show how good they are.”