Raheem is a key man but the others have been playing better
12.30PM STERLING ON FRINGES BUT GUARDIOLA VALUES HIM
PEP GUARDIOLA has told Raheem Sterling he is still one of his big-game players at Manchester City.
Sterling has found himself on the outside looking in after starting just one of City’s past six games in all competitions.
The England international was dropped from the squad for last month’s trip to Fulham and has scored just once in his past six appearances.
Sterling has started more games for his country than club in recent weeks – as he has been ousted from the City side by players such as Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez.
But with City closing in on an historic Quadruple, the manager has assured Sterling he remains one of his main men.
Guardiola, whose side host Leeds today, said: “Raheem has been so important in our period here, nothing would have been possible without him.
“I see Riyad and Phil in top form, so this is the only reason why.
“They collaborate, they compete and Phil in the last three minutes against Borussia Dortmund [in the Champions League], he created all the chances and scored a goal.
“Riyad has been so decisive, so this is the only reason why. But he’s still so important for the team and the club but that’s the reason why.”
Guardiola, meanwhile, insists he will back whatever decision Sergio Aguero makes this summer and does not have a problem if the club’s record scorer decides to join a Premier League rival. Aguero will be leaving the Etihad in June and the 32-year-old is considering his options, with several offers from top-flight clubs. But Guardiola said: “We wish the best for him, that he finds what is best for Sergio for the last years in his career.
“We’d be delighted with the decision he takes, for him and his family. My preference is his preference.The best for him is the best for us.”
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has described Guardiola’s team as having “magical qualities”.
Guardiola is honoured that one of the managerial rivals he respects the most has been so gushing in his praise.
The Spaniard said: “I’m overwhelmed. It feels weird because he’s a huge competitor.
“He’s the most honest person, when I could speak with him, I’m pretty sure it’s what he believes. He doesn’t say anything to the media, it’s for himself, so I’m overwhelmed.
“Everyone knows the respect and admiration I have for him. Always he’ll be in my heart and I think, ‘Wow, I don’t deserve it’.
“If there’s one person we can research to find the secrets, the way we want to do it, it’s him, because of his work ethic and knowledge.
“I know how tough this game will be. They’ve done incredibly well this season, but hopefully we’ll be prepared as we are three games from being champions, and this is the chance for another step.”