City were cruising 3-0 before Stoke pulled two quick goals back to test the hosts mettle, but Sterling believes the way the Blues shifted up another great is further proof the team is evolving as a unit.
“It was a massive performance from boys, just a bit of disappointment that we conceded either side of the break - but we showed great character, it’s early days and we’ll continue to build
“We’ve got a big game coming up tomorrow, we’re confident as a team that we can play good football, we just need to keep a level head and be confident our ability to have a good season in the UCL.”
With Sterling’s goal-to-games ratio currently the best in the Premier League, the England winger paid tribute to boss Pep Guardiola for helping develop his game.
“He’s been massive for me especially with basic stuff – he always tries to get you to do the simple things at top level and that’s the genius thing about him. It works, too.
“I just keep growing, learning and living the game – of course, there are ups and downs in football when things don’t go your way, but you pick yourself up and aim to be the player you want to be.
“I just need to continue focusing on getting into the goal-scoring areas, inside the box, that’s where majority of my goals come from. I want to improve from the year before, hopefully getting into double figures
“I’m just trying to see the game and get on the end of stuff, with our players you know you will get chances - then it’s down to you.
“He tells me to go out and he gives you a set plan, but sometimes things need to come off the cuff.
“It is something I’ve been trying to improve on - scoring more goals and being more clinical. I’m just trying to deal with it as a player. In my position, I need to be scoring goals.
“I’ve always played on the wing, but I like to get into the box – that said, wherever the manager plays me I’ll be more than happy. I’m really enjoying my time at City, we’ve made a great start and I’m playing for a great manager.”
