‘It’s been a weird season - I need to make my mark’
RAHEEM Sterling has admitted it has been a ‘weird’ season for him despite being part of a Manchester City side still in the hunt for four trophies.
Sterling has had some standout moments again this season and led the team brilliantly against his former club Liverpool in February as the Blues claimed their first win at Anfield in 18 years en route to dethroning them as Premier League champions.
However, the 26-year-old hasn’t scored the goals that he or his manager would like this season, especially with Sergio Aguero out for such long spells.
Having managed 31 goals in 52 appearances last year, he only has 13 from 40 in this campaign and is set for his lowest return since Pep Guardiola’s first year in charge.
City’s manager has gone off the idea of using Sterling as the focal point of his attack and has moved away from playing the England international whenever he is fit with Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden preferred for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Dortmund last week. Another poor performance against Leeds on Saturday may well have confirmed Sterling’s return to the bench for the second leg.
That isn’t where the forward wants to be ultimately, but he has not given up on turning his form around and making a big contribution in the coming weeks as City push on all fronts.
“Don’t get me wrong, this season for me personally has been a very weird one,” he told BT Sport.
“Nevertheless, I’ve still enjoyed my football and given my all to the team. Don’t get me wrong, if I don’t score or do something to help the team I’m not happy coming off the pitch. I’m happy we’ve won but what helps me to get these goals is being that driven.
“It’s a perfect time in the season now. [Against Dortmund] I was itching to come on. I didn’t come on but I’m waiting for the opportunity to make a mark.”