Guardiola heaps praise on Sterling after Manchester City win | Football News – Times of India

Guardiola said that Sterling, who had missed his previous three penalties, only took the spot kick for the league leaders as their first choices were not on the pitch.
“Our best taker by far is Riyad Mahrez. He has shown under pressure the quality he has but wasn’t on the pitch,” Guardiola told reporters. “Ilkay Gundogan is another, but he’s struggling with his back and hasn’t performed well in the last two games.
“In that moment they chose… Bernardo Silva is a good taker and Rodri could do it, but Raheem showed the personality to take it and score a goal and these are the values I appreciate.”
Guardiola said he was impressed with the haul of Sterling, who turned 27 a few days ago and also praised goalkeeper Ederson who bagged his 100th clean sheet for the club in his 212th game.
“It’s a great number at Raheem’s age, 100 goals is a lot. Like the 100 clean sheets from Eddie, but congratulations to both and to the team,” Guardiola added.
“Players are always important, but they sometimes drop. They have highs and lows. I’m unfair sometimes, they play well and I don’t play them, I don’t have an excuse.
“Raheem has scored goals lately and is so committed and aggressive… he has been incredibly important over the years. But players have to perform every single game.”