Sterling expects improved City next season

Raheem Sterling has backed a more ‘streetwise’ Manchester City to improve on their 2016-17 campaign in the upcoming season.

City failed to mount a genuine title challenge, faltering after a flying start under Pep Guardiola to finish third behind Chelsea and Tottenham.

But they have already shown intent with their summer recruitment, bringing in Bernardo Silva and Ederson Moraes, with more signings expected.

And Sterling, who racked up ten goals last campaign, expects City to be much improved next term as they look to reclaim the Premier League title they last won in 2013-14.

He said: “Last season was a little underwhelming in terms of what we expected.

“We had started really well and made some good strides but we didn’t finish by doing what we wanted to do.

“We can take a lot of positives out of the season and take them into next year.

“With the team, the players and the manager we have, it’s looking to be good in the future.

“We’re a team that can punish teams. We need to defend better as a unit – not letting in as many cheap goals. That’s what has cost us – our own mistakes and collective errors on the field.

“Once we become more streetwise, we’ll be a real force.”