Manchester City gaffer Pep Guardiola has given his full support to winger Raheem Sterling after he came off the bench to score v Everton after a turbulent week for the youngster. Sterling was racially abused last week as City lost their unbeaten league run at Chelsea but Guardiola was incredibly impressed with how he has handled himself over the last week.
After the 3-1 win over Everton which saw City return to the top of the Premier League table, Guardiola said: “I think Sterling has handled the last few years in terms of situations and rumours, about him or his family or the colour of his skin very calm. I admire him and appreciate that it’s not easy for him. He’s loved by all staff and in the locker room.”
Sterling scored just minutes after coming off the bench, guiding home a header to restore Man City’s two goal cushion after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had pulled one back for the visitors. That result sees City leapfrog Liverpool back to the top of the league ahead of the Liverpool v Manchester United game tomorrow.
Guardiola was also pleased with his forward Gabriel Jesus who bagged two goals today after a tough run in front of goal. He said: “Gabriel Jesus is so important. Strikers need to score goals. The difference today was that he scored as he was in better positions. It’s so good for him and our team. His performance was so valuable.”
A good end to a tough week for Raheem Sterling who deserves all the praise in the world for how he has handled himself.
