TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Sterling tells fans ‘let the boys know you’re behind them’ to boost World Cup confidence
RAHEEM STERLING has revealed he just wants to be loved by England supporters.
The Manchester City striker was singled out for criticism after the dismal Euro 2016 campaign, but aims to change the mood at the World Cup in Russia.
He said: “We know what we can do, I believe what we can do, it’s just having
AS he tagged himself The Hated One during England’s ill-fated Euro 2016 campaign, it is fair to assume Raheem Sterling knows he has not always been the most popular player.
He still looked a little surprised, though, to be told there was actually an internet crowdfunding gimmick to have him brought back from France that summer. “Really? I didn’t know about that,” he said. “But if I get judged on my football, I’ll accept that. If I have had a bad game, I’ll take it on the chin. “That’s because I always have the belief I can come back. They are not doing it in a malicious way, they are doing it in a way to make you know you need to step up.
“In a way, it is good for someone like me because I thrive on stuff like that.”
Sterling played in three of England’s four games in that disastrouTsV tToIMuErSn:aLmiveeonntSkiny France, including the opener against Russia (above, left) and the defeat to Iceland (above, right) which sent them home.
At the age of 23, he has had to respond to more than one spell of scepticism over his value to both club and country.
That he has done so on every occasion is testament to a steely confidence. Sitting alongside his international manager, Sterling (left) has a ballsiness you can’t help but admire.
Any reason for his England scoring record being nothing to write home about? “It is because the gaffer keeps taking me off early,” he said, throwing a nod towards Gareth Southgate.
And he was clearly only halfjoking, returning to the subject later to explain how he backs himself to score late in games when opponents tire. Sterling is a confident young man.
Pep Guardiola has taken a lot of credit for Sterling’s form this season – 15 Premier League goals and seven assists – and the player is happy to acknowledge his club manager’s positive influence.
“Pep has been fantastic for me,” he said.
But it is clear Sterling would give himself credit for the way he has reacted to the competition for places at Manchester City.
Ahead of the season, after a summer in which Guardiola had recruited Bernardo Silva from Monaco at great expense, there was
an uncertainty over Sterling’s place in Pep’s pecking order.
Those questions were Sterling’s motivation.
He explained: “When there’s doubt, that’s when I’m at my best. When I feel I’m under threat or under pressure, that brings the best out of me.
“In the summer, I saw Bernardo signed, I had played against him and thought he’s a great player.
“I thought to myself that when I got back, I will make sure I’m on it because there’s more competition.
“You see stuff like I might not be in the squad, I then think, ‘OK, cool, we’ll see about that’.
“Stuff like that brings the best out of me.” While Sterling is rightly proud of his own development, there is no doubt Guardiola’s input has been a major factor.
Sterling said: “He’s a good person, especially for the younger players. He has a good personality and he’s a great manager.”
Unsurprisingly, Pep’s love can also be tough love.
“He lets you know when he’s not happy with you,” smiled Sterling. “I remember coming on against Crystal Palace.
“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 but he makes sure to tell you when you’re in the wrong.”
It is obvious Sterling can deal with being told he is in the wrong, he can deal with the type of negativity that underpinned his last contribution to a major tournament, because going into Russia 2018, his natural positivity is undimmed.
He said: “Why not just be positive? If you want your country to do as well as everyone says, bring a positive light to it.
“We know what we can do, I believe in what we can do... trust me, I think you’ll definitely see a better England.”
And a better Raheem Sterling, no doubt.