In an interview after Man City’s 5-0 win over Steaua in the Champions League qualifer, Pep Guardiola has asserted that the club made the right move in splurging £49m for signing Raheem Sterling from Liverpool in July 2015.
After a big money move from Liverpool, Sterling failed to match the standards of the club in his debut season at Man City. The English winger drew huge criticism from the fans and Pundits, all questioning the logic behind the big spent for roping in Sterling.
However, the former Liverpool star has shunned all criticism with his impressive performances right from the beginning of the new season. Sterling proved his mettle and convinced Guardiola after clinching two crucial assists in the Champions League qualifier against Bucharest.
Guardiola heaped praise on Sterling’s technical abilities and said that Man City were right to capture the talented winger.
“Sterling has a lot of quality, he’s fast, has a good work ethic,” said Guardiola.
“He’s a fantastic player. That’s why Manchester City were so clever to buy him last season.”
“Now Sterling is playing really good. But he’s young and has to learn a lot.”
Sergio Aguero missed 2 penalties but scored a hat-trick as Manchester City outplayed Steaua Bucharest 5-0 to put one foot in the group stage of UEFA Champions League.
Nolito and David Silva also found the net as Manchester City without the services of Joe Hart, humiliated the home side in the first leg of their playoff in Romania.
Guardiola kept a low profile while commenting on his team’s progress into the group stage of Champions League.
“We are almost in the Champions League [group stage]. That was our target,” said Guardiola.
“It was a great performance, great attitudes. The result is amazing.”
“I am so satisfied with the way we played – a big compliment to these fantastic players. All the managers in the world want to create chances and concede few.”