taken his game up a notch. Sterling revealed part of the secret of Guardiola’s success was telling his men to play like they were still with the Under-eights!

He also admitted the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss could be intimidating.

“He lets you know when he’s not happy with you,” Sterling added.

“I remember coming on against Crystal Palace (in December). 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, when he makes sure to tell you when you’re in the wrong.

“He makes everyone do the simple stuff. You probably see a lot of us passing out from the back.

“It makes our football quicker and makes you think better. If you see a pass that’s two yards, pass it.”

Giving an example of what Guardiola had changed in his game, Sterling added: “When I used to dribble, I’d be on the wing and I’d control it with the outside of my foot – it slows the ball down.

“He brings you back to what you used to do with the Under-eights – open your body up and get the rhythm going again.

“He’s telling you to get to the left-back quicker and take the ball with you, instead of controlling it and stopping. “It’s little details. like that.” Whatever Guardiola’s done, the chances now look slim that there will be an internet campaign to fly Sterling back from Russia this summer.