Guardiola thrilled with ‘fighter’ Sterling

Raheem Sterling has endured a tough time since his switch to the Etihad Stadium, but new manager Pep Guardiola insists his fighting spirit is winning through at Manchester City.

The 21-year-old midfielder struggled to recreate the same magic he showed at Liverpool for the Citizens last season, and was also widely criticised for his performances in an England shirt over the summer.

But after terrifying the Sunderland back four in his side’s opening 2-1 victory in the Premier League, also winning the early penalty for Sergio Aguero to convert, Guardiola has heaped the praise on the youngster who he believes has been consistently exceptional since he took the helm in Manchester.

“He played amazing, but he also played well against Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, St Johnstone,” he said.

“We need people who stay wide, go to the byline or go inside. That is so important. He’s a fighter.

“Of course we want more of him, but I’m very happy, he’s a very nice guy. We want to help him to see the real Sterling.”

Guardiola’s first team selection certainly brought a few surprises, with the likes of Joe Hart, Yaya Toure, Eliaquim Mangala and Samir Nasri not involved.

But the Spaniard insists no-one is out of his plans just yet.

He added: “Yaya trained really, really good, Samir is training amazing, so I’m really impressed by his quality.

“Mangala, you know how professional he is. At the end I have a squad and I have to decide what I see. I have to create the team spirit.

“I chose this line up but that doesn’t mean they won’t play in the future.

“Hart can play – other players in the squad can play. I was focused on Sunderland. From tomorrow morning I will decide what’s best for the team for the next game.”