Guardiola tells Sterling he’s NOT guaranteed games at Man City after star reveals he’s open to transfer for more minutes
Posted Saturday, October 16, 2021 by Thesun.co.uk
PEP GUARDIOLA has told Raheem Sterling that no Manchester City player is guaranteed minutes on the pitch.
And he urged the forward to do his talking on the pitch when he gets the opportunity to play.
Guardiola refused to give Sterling any assurances that he'd get more time on the pitch
Sterling spoke out about his future this week – saying he will not commit to a new contract at the Etihad until he knows he is going to play regularly.
That has not happened since he was axed in the wake of the Manchester derby defeat to United back in March.
Guardiola said: “I cannot assure them, I spoke to them many times about that, I cannot assure how many minutes each one plays.
“Always they have to speak on the pitch. Not Raheem, all of them.
“They know they are going to play minutes, but I'm not a guy that plays only 11 players, all of them are involved.”
Pep says he will not look to keep any player who is not happy at his club against their will.
He said: “What I want from Raheem and everyone is they have to be satisfied to be here and delighted to be in this club.
“If that's not the case they are free to take the best decision for the player and his family.
“This is the most important thing they have to do we have a game more time I understand completely I was a player, I understand completely, I wanted to play.
“I'm not an exception. Not just Raheem, all of them want to play every game but I cannot assure them.
“They have to improve every training session and be there on the pitch and try to be happy there.”
Guardiola insists Sterling remains a huge part of his plans at City – but said he know has a wealth of options in his position.
He said: “Raheem in that case is so important for us. He competes with Grealish, Foden, Ferran, Bernardo, It's the reality.
“It's difficult to take the decision, there's no alternative. The way is to train harder. The moment he is going to play, show you are right.
“The only thing I knew as a player and manager how to react.”
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