Manchester City attacker, Raheem Sterling says the club has been fantastic on how it is managing its squad despite Premier League struggles.
The commendation is following City’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road against Leeds United on Saturday. Sterling had given the visitors the lead in the first half, only for new signing, Rodrigo to secure a point for Marcelo Bielsa’s men from Ederson’s error.
The results leaves Man City on four points from three games, having recorded a 5-2 loss against Leicester City in the last round.
City currently has no recognised striker after Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus got injured. The Argentine sustained a knee injury last season, which ruled him out of action since then while the Brazilian picked up a knock this season.
Expressing the belief that the Citizens dealt well with a number of setbacks at the start of the new season, Sterling, who scored an impressive opener on Saturday, believes Pep Guardiola has been able to manage the squad without the strikers and Ilkay Gundogan.
Sterling thinks Man City did well
According to the statistic, Man City recorded only two shots on target from the 23 played against Bielsa’s men.
Having scored just one goal in the current Premier League campaign, two in the Carabao Cup, it meant Sterling has scored 34 goals in all competitions since the start of last season, more than anyone else in the Premier League.
Sterling now has eight opening goals over that period, a record only bettered by Danny Ings (12) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (nine).
“There were a few setbacks that we have had like injuries. I think we have done well with a short squad that we have had. We have done fantastic, and after the international break we should have a fit squad and be ready to go,” he told BBC.
Sterling, who had a go at Leeds defence on several occassions during the match, acknowledged that it was a difficult game.
“The energy levels start to finish we impressive. They were right in our faces. I prefer playing against teams like that instead of 11 men behind the ball,” ” added the City forward.
Too early to count City out
Also speaking, Guardiola, who enjoyed the contest, despite the unfavourable result believes it’s too early to count his side out of the title race.
“The approach was incredible and it’s nice to face a team like Leeds because they want to win as they did with Liverpool. It’s incredibly entertaining football and it’s interesting for the fans”.
“It was an entertaining game for everyone. I’m incredibly proud of these players,” Guardiola said post-match.
