Guardiola absolves Sterling of blame in England shambles

Pep Guardiola: Banned overweight players

Pep Guardiola: Banned overweight players

New Man City boss Pep Guardiola has absolved Raheem Sterling of any blame in England’s disastrous Euro 2016 showing.

Guardiola was asked about the winger’s performance in France with the Three Lions along with Joe Hart’s displays for Roy Hodgson and he defended City’s £49million recruit.

England lost 2-1 to minnows Iceland in the round of 16, despite taking the lead, and both Hart, who was criticised heavily for one of Iceland’s goal, and Sterling started in the infamous Nice defeat.

“They were criticised because they lost. When they lost it wasn’t the fault of Sterling,” said Guardiola, who believes the fee City paid Liverpool 12 months ago is  becoming a huge burden to the 21-year-old.

“I hear the last 10 days what happened especially with Sterling, of course he has a little problem the money they pay for him is always in the mind of people but I am curious. I am looking forward to work with him to help him .

“I would like to work with English players here but they are so expensive here compared with other players around the world and it is not easy. but not just Joe or Raheem I will try to help all of them.”

Guardiola was asked about City captain Vincent Kompany, who missed Euro 2016 with Belgium due to injury.

“Everyone knows his quality. My dream for him is to be fit.

“We cannot ask about him in the last two years as he hasn’t played many games. I spoke with him to say just focus on your body.

“Forget about the other things, just focus to recover and come back where you were in the past. After that, Vincent will decide for himself but we are sure of his quality.”