Raheem Sterling says Pep Guardiola has given him the confidence to shine for Manchester City after horror Euros
Former Liverpool forward has been a player reborn this season and is just happy to be playing well again
RAHEEM STERLING credits his recent form on his own self belief - and some gentle encouragement from Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester City winger, 22, has put the nightmare of Euro 2016 firmly behind him with a series of excellent early season performances since the Spaniard took over the reigns at Eastlands.
And he claims that Pep has left him with 'no better feeling' after giving him the confidence to bounce back from his post-Anfield slump.
Sterling said: "He makes it simple and shows you how it is, exactly where he wants you on the pitch.
"He tells you that the rest is down to you so there is no better feeling than that.
"He is just a helping hand, gives you a lot of encouragement. To have someone who has done it at the highest level is a bonus."
The former Liverpool man had struggled to make an impact at City since his £50million switch - but a simple arm round the shoulder seems to have done the trick from Guardiola.
Sterling came in for some savage criticism during the Euros, where he was criticised for a series of lacklustre performances, result in him calling himself the 'Hated One'.
He continued: "Sometimes you hear a bit of unfair criticism and it puts you down a bit. Sometimes it is a bit frustrating.
"I got a lot of criticism last year which I thought was a bit unfair. There were a few games where I made my mark in the CL, where I had never scored.
"I equalled my best scoring season, with 11. It was a massive learning step last year. Pep coming in was a massive help and him ringing me was a massive boost.
"He said he always liked my football and that helped me come back a lot stronger."
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City recorded a huge victory against rivals United this weekend to keep up their 100 perfect start to the season.
And Sterling believes the team spirit on show is better than ever as they prepare to start their Champions League campaign against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
He continued: "Since day one the manager has tried to get the team spirit up.
"Last year we were all close but this year we are closer than ever, all joking and laughing. That is a massive bonus for us."