Soccer-Man City’s Guardiola says Sterling must seize opportunities By Reuters

(Reuters) – Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said he has full confidence in Raheem Sterling despite the England striker’s fall in the pecking order and has supported the 26-year-old to use his chances of come back to the starting camp.

Sterling’s declining form has meant Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez have featured more regularly for the Premier League leaders this season.

“Raheem is an extraordinary player. He was, is and will be,” Guradiola told reporters ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur. “He may not have played as consistently as in previous seasons. Phil and Riyadh are in great shape.

“… But the opportunity will present itself and he has to be ready to show his quality, be fresh in his mind and play on the incredible strengths he has. The only way is to let him play.”

Sterling, who has scored 13 goals in 42 games in all competitions so far this season, has started just three of City’s last 10 games.

“They (the players) have our confidence – otherwise they wouldn’t be there. The quality is there … they are top class players and they have to be confident in themselves,” Guardiola said.

“They have to play well, perform well. It depends on them – not the manager. They have to show me their confidence – I don’t have to show them my confidence.”

City are looking to become the second team in English football history after Liverpool to win four successive League Cup titles.

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