Raheem Sterling will shine at Man City says Manuel Pellegrini
Sunday 9 August 2015 14:40, UK
Manuel Pellegrini expects Raheem Sterling to be a success for Manchester City as the forward prepares for his competitive debut for the club.
Sterling made a £49m move to the Etihad Stadium last month after a protracted stalemate between City and Liverpool and he is expected to be in their side for the Monday Night Football clash with West Brom at The Hawthorns, live on Sky Sports.
Pellegrini feels the negative headlines about the 20-year-old have been harsh and expects him to make a quick start to his City career to turn the discussion back to his ability on the pitch.
He is very pleased with what he has seen from Sterling in training, as well as a number of positive displays in pre-season.
Pellegrini said: "He has settled in very well. He wants to come here, he wants to have new challenges. I don't think he deserves criticism about that.
"He is working very well and it is easy for good players to settle in a good team. I think we are going to have a very successful player this year."
West Brom provide City with a tough opening opponent, especially with Pellegrini still pondering what to do with players who returned late because of Copa America duty, among them leading scorer Sergio Aguero.
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That could lead to a starting opportunity for Wilfried Bony, who has scored only a couple of goals since his £28m move from Swansea in January, and he is a player Pellegrini feels will be vital this season.
"Bony is a very good player," Pellegrini added. "He was very unlucky last season because he started with the African Nations Cup and after that he had an injury for about a month and a half.
"We have a squad and have to fight for four titles. I think Bony will be very important in that squad.
"All the games in the Premier League are very difficult, especially when you start because everyone expects to have a good season. Playing away is not the same to starting at home but we are confident we are going to have a good game."
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