Manchester City vs Watford: Hat-trick hero Raheem Sterling can do better, says Pep Guardiola
Sterling scored all of City’s three goals on Saturday in the space of just 13 minutes
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Your support makes all the difference.Pep Guardiola has challenged Raheem Sterling to play even better after his match-winning hat-trick for Manchester City against Watford on Saturday.
Sterling scored all of City’s three goals on Saturday in the space of just 13 minutes, having found the breakthrough just after half time.
Sterling’s first was contentious – scored from an offside position but allowed due to a touch by Daryl Janmaat – but there was no question about his second and third.
The third, in particular, was special with Sterling darting in behind Janmaat before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Sterling was unsurprisingly named as City’s man of the match but Guardiola said after the final whistle that he wants to see more from the winger.
“Raheem can do better. He scored three goals, we’re delighted, but he can do better,” the City manager insisted.
“The first half was not the best performance from him but it’s good when not playing at the top level to be consistent and score the three goals.
“It is the most important thing and we need that. The first half, he can do better.”
While Guardiola appeared reluctant to praise Sterling, he was effusive when it came to Ilkay Gundogan, who impressed in the holding midfield role.
Gundogan’s future at City has come into question, with his current Etihad contract set to expire at the end of next season.
Guardiola reiterated his belief that if the 28-year-old does not want to remain at the club then “he has to leave” and he will not stand in his way.
“I think Gundogan played an incredible game. He’s an incredible player in all senses,” Guardiola said on his performance against Watford.
“We would like [him to sign a new contract] but it depends on the club, on him. So I don’t know really, I’m so busy. Hopefully he can stay.
“I would prefer he stays, really, but at the same time I want to feel he wants to stay too. If he doesn’t want to stay, he has to leave. But we would like to continue next season and that we have a longer time together.
“But I said before, if you want to stay, we’re talking, and we will sign the contract. We signed a contract with Kevin in a few days, with other players, too, with Gabriel.
“But he doesn’t want it right now so we will wait. When he wants it, we will be here.”
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