Guardiola urges Sterling to raise game further after improved showing
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Raheem
Sterling's improved displays in recent matches, but said on Friday that the
England winger can get even better as he looks to nail down a place in the
starting side.
Sterling had a fine outing at the European Championship with
the national team, but has largely struggled for consistency at club level this
season.
However, he scored two goals in his previous two outings,
with Wednesday's equaliser against Paris St Germain in the Champions League
inspiring City to a 2-1 victory.
"It's good for wingers to score, get assists, he's
decisive. Still, he knows he can do better one-v-one, but this is a step to
come back to his best form," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Sunday's
Premier League home game against West Ham United.
"It doesn't depend on individual (success) it's the
team, be on the pitch when the manager gives you the opportunity do your
best."
Guardiola sympathised with English players who have barely
had any rest since the European Championship final in July, but added it was a
matter of going "back to the basics."
"They had two or three weeks, came back again, and then
the Community Shield. You cannot imagine how difficult it is for the players
every three days. It's so demanding," Guardiola added.
"So you have to come back to the basics. Sometimes you
help the team with the defensive work and step by step you come back. When one
player doesn't play good, I don't doubt they have the skills. Do the basics and
step by step you'll come back."
Guardiola said City would take a late call on the injured
Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, saying both players had returned to individual
training after missing the PSG game.
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