Raheem Sterling ‘seems to have fallen out with Pep’, says Jamie Redknapp, as he insists ‘something is going on’ after the Man City and England winger was left on the bench for their win at Aston Villa
Jamie Redknapp believes Raheem Sterling has fallen out with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after the England winger was shunned again on Wednesday night.
Sterling was an unused substitute for City’s 2-1 victory at Villa Park which came courtesy of goals from the winger’s England team-mate Phil Foden and Spanish midfielder Rodri.
Redknapp claims Foden and Sterling are also in competition with each other for an England starting spot at this summer’s European Championships but the latter’s form could damage his chances.
Jamie Redknapp says Raheem Sterling (above) has fallen out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola
Sterling was left out by the City boss in his side’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday
The former Tottenham midfielder told Sky Sports: ‘He (Foden) almost in competition with his mate (Sterling) and he (England manager Gareth Southgate) has got to pick one of them with Rashford, and Kane is a certainty.
‘If you’re going to play him on that side, Sterling at the moment, something is going on. He’s in and out of the team and seems to have fallen out with Pep.’
Sterling has faced several omissions in recent weeks at Guardiola’s City. The 26-year-old was left out the starting line-up for both Champions League quarter-final ties with Borussia Dortmund as well as the vital trip to Leicester City earlier this month.
Redknapp claims Sterling’s recent snubs at City could damage his England starting chances
Foden, meanwhile, scored in both of the European ties and added another goal to his collection against Villa on Wednesday. The 20-year-old now has 14 goals this season, one more than his City and England compatriot Sterling.
Redknapp was full of praise for City star Foden, with the Sky Sports pundit claiming the sky is the limit for the midfield maestro.
Speaking about Foden, Redknapp added: ‘We always get excited about young talent but this kid is the real deal.
‘He is amazing. For such a young player to play with so much flair and aggression – it’s incredible.
Wednesday saw another good night for Phil Foden (right) who scored City’s equaliser
Foden (middle) and Sterling are fighting together for starting spots for club and country
‘Sometimes you worry that when a young kid gets too much, too early, they’re going to lose that hunger and desire but if this kid keeps accelerating at this rate, anything is possible for him. It’s frightening.’
City boss Guardiola, whose side are three wins away from sealing yet another Premier League title, also heaped praise on Foden after another Premier League goal this term.
The Spaniard said: ‘He’s growing. He’s making steps forward and his influence on our game is massive right now.
‘He is becoming a serious player. The players dictate who they are on the pitch. In the last games especially, he is becoming really important.’