Pep Guardiola says he wants Raheem Sterling to fight for his place at Manchester City after the frustrated forward admitted he “would be open” to leaving the Premier League champions.
England forward Sterling has been with City since 2015, when he moved from Liverpool, and has won three Premier League titles with the club.
However, the 26-year-old has made just two league starts this season, struggling with his form and fierce competition from attacking stars including Phil Foden and club record signing Jack Grealish.
Speaking at the FT Business of Sport US Summit on Thursday, Sterling, who has been linked with a loan move to Barcelona, said: “If there was the opportunity to go somewhere else (for more game time), I would be open to it at this moment in time.
“As I said, football is the most important thing to me — challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well, to play abroad.”
But Guardiola told reporters on Friday that he wanted Sterling to stay with City.
“Raheem is our player and will hopefully be an incredibly important player for us,” he said.
“Some players want to play all the time but I can’t assure them of that. Always they have to speak on the grass — not Raheem, all of them.
“What I want from Raheem and everyone is for them to be happy.”
These Guardiola’s comment on Sterling has prompt some Sky Blues to react on social media.
Best manager ever . If you wanna make the starting lineup , speak on the grass
— MACKAVELLI THE DON (@Mackavelli365) October 15, 2021
This untrue. Sterling never speak in the grass and play a lot of games. 😭
— – (@FinallyManfred) October 15, 2021
You and I know perfectly Sterling isn’t performing better now
— Elorm🇬🇭 (@i_Elorm) October 15, 2021
Pep I’m begging you just don’t use him
— Ant (@BernardoTouch) October 15, 2021
We don’t want him
— π (@xMcfc_oKx) October 15, 2021
Sell him
— Moses Onduso (@MosesOnduso5) October 15, 2021
Bench him
— LS19x🇩🇪 (@LS19mcfc) October 15, 2021
Just let him go for another challenge probably in Spain
— Itumeleng (@Itumele47673168) October 15, 2021
Let him go . We don’t need someone so entitled
— MACKAVELLI THE DON (@Mackavelli365) October 15, 2021
Follow Us on Social media:
- Liverpool Expresses Disapproval of Manchester City’s Bold Travel Decision for Under-23s Clash
- Liverpool surprised by Manchester City’s bold decision to travel for Under-23s clash
- Morgan Gibbs-White now shares who he thinks was better
- Shocking Report: Pep Guardiola Set to Depart From Manchester City
- Sergio Aguero confident in City’s ability to defeat Chelsea
- Shocking Manchester City transfer request throws Barcelona’s summer move into chaos
- Manchester City player drops new clues about possible summer departure following personal choice