Pep Guardiola’s comments about Unai Emery could convince Raheem Sterling of his next move (Image: Getty)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that Unai Emery could be the key to revitalising Raheem Sterling’s career, if his comments about the Aston Villa boss are anything to go by.
Sterling is reportedly on the brink of leaving Stamford Bridge after being left out of Chelsea’s Premier League opener against City, and being informed he doesn’t feature in Enzo Maresca’s plans. It’s now reported that the Blues have offered Sterling to Aston Villa.
Emery led Villa to Champions League qualification last season, and Guardiola had nothing but praise for his Premier League counterpart. Speaking ahead of a match between City and Villa last season, Guardiola was effusive in his praise for Emery’s management style and Villa’s style of play, reports the Mirror.
Guardiola has talked up Unai Emery (Image: Getty)
The City boss began his charm offensive by stating that he wasn’t surprised by the impact Emery had made at Villa Park. “[They are] excellent the way they play. Unai Emery and the consistency in every season, Villa is impressive and always he has done really well,” Guardiola said during the pre-match press conference.
“It’s not a surprise the quality of him and his management and the quality of the team. They have really good set-pieces and transitions. The shape is really clear what they do. They can do high pressing and afterwards defend very well with a back four or back five and a really structured line. That is why they are where they are, fighting to be there.”
The City boss’s forthright views about Emery are likely lingering in Sterling’s thoughts as the winger deliberates over his next move. He will no doubt have a keen desire to revive his career after a dip in form following his transfer to west London and a consequential drop from the England team.
Despite featuring prominently in Maresca’s pre-season line-up, eyebrows were raised when the 29-year-old was surprisingly omitted from Sundays matchday squad. The move then prompted a dramatic statement from Sterling’s representatives.
Sterling, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £47.5 million in 2022, is reportedly one of 15 players Chelsea are considering selling and has been asked to train separately from the main squad. Holding out for a Premier League stay, Sterling has found a potential suitor in Emery’s Villa, who can offer the alluring prospect of Champions League football.
As speculation mounts, Maresca has publicly stated that Sterling’s departure is purely a tactical decision, citing a preference for different types of wingers on his teams. “I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers,” Maresca said.
“This is the reason why. I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. In this moment, they (Sterling and Ben Chilwell) are training apart. The situation with them both is quite clear. There is not any update on their situations.”
Chelsea finalised the £45.5m acquisition of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, marking their eleventh signing of the transfer window, on Wednesday. This coincided with the sale of academy graduate Conor Gallagher to the capital side.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1939136/raheem-sterling-transfer-news-chelsea-man-city-guardiola