Monday 12 September 2016 15:52, UK
Raheem Sterling has hailed Pep Guardiola for helping him find his best form after an up-and-down first season at Manchester City.
City sit top of the Premier League table with four wins from four games and Sterling has quickly emerged as a key contributor under Guardiola with two goals and an assist already this season.
That puts him on course to easily surpass the six league goals and three assists he managed in his debut season at the Etihad.
The 21-year-old ended last season on the bench for City but he received a phone call from Guardiola while on duty for England at Euro 2016 informing him he was central to the Spaniard's plans.
Sterling appreciates Guardiola's direct approach and says he is learning to become mentally tougher and to ignore his critics.
"When I was on holiday in the summer I said I need to come back working hard to show the manager I'm willing to fight for a place," Sterling said.
"Pep makes it simple - he tells you it like it is. He gives me a lot of confidence as a young player.
"I got a lot of criticism last year which I thought was a bit unfair. Now I don't pay it any mind. I don't read things like that."
On Saturday, City laid down an early marker in the title race with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford as Guardiola claimed the bragging rights over his great rival Jose Mourinho.
Guardiola played down the significance of the result afterwards but the reactions of both his players and staff at the final whistle illustrated that they, at least, viewed the victory as more than just another three points.
After the game, the City manager could be seen herding his players towards the away end to acknowledge the jubilant, travelling City fans.
Guardiola has made fostering a greater team spirit a priority since taking over and Sterling believes that will help the team challenge on multiple fronts this season.
"Since day one the manager has tried to up the team spirit. Last year we were all close but now we're closer than ever," Sterling said.
"I think with the players and manager we have, we're getting stronger each week. We should be challenging for every competition."
