Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola feels jealous about Arsenal signing his former star winger Raheem Sterling this summer.
The 29-year-old signed for the Gooners on a one-year loan agreement from Chelsea. He is seen as a vital squad player who provides depth in attack and brings huge experience to Mikel Arteta’s young squad.
Sterling made his debut as a second-half substitute in the North London derby. He played a cameo against Atalanta and is likely to be benched for Arsenal’s clash against the Citizens on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola speaks on Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling
During the pre-match conference, Guardiola expressed envy for Sterling signing to his rivals and hoped for an underwhelming performance from the speedster. He said:
“I am jealous. I wish him all the best. All the players that behaved well in this club, helped us to be who we are, where we are. Of course I’d prefer he doesn’t perform well on Sunday.”
🗣️ Pep Guardiola on Raheem Sterling signing for Arsenal:
“I am jealous… I wish him all the best. All the players that behaved well in this club, helped us to be who we are, where we are…” 🤩
[Via @City_Zone_] pic.twitter.com/SEPEmJNA80
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 20, 2024
The Spanish manager knows Sterling very well since he has coached him for seven years (2015-22). During his reign, the star player featured in 339 games, collecting 131 goals and 73 assists.
He was an influential person for him during his initial period at the club. The Arsenal star functioned as a winger and also as a false nine at the Etihad. Arteta deserves equal credit for overseeing the Englishman when he was Guardiola’s assistant.
Sterling holds the 42-year-old in high regard. He just couldn’t resist the urge to join the Gunners and find his lost form under the talented coach.
MUST READ: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola starts mind games ahead of Arsenal fixture
Man City haven’t lost a Premier League game at home since 2022, but Sterling and Arteta will eye a major upset this weekend. They will aim to topple Guardiola’s juggernaut team and gain momentum in the league.
🔵👀 Pep Guardiola on Arsenal: “Every season they get stronger… if I say something, they’ll say I was playing mind games or something”.
“I’m not good on playing mind games!”.pic.twitter.com/MoKMlfUSkP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 20, 2024
He is unlikely to start against the Citizens, since Arteta might continue to stick with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings. However, he used Sterling as a false nine during his coaching days with City, and he might welcome him as a substitute in the nerve-wracking contest.
The fans will love to see the player find his groove when he steps on the field on Sunday.
