In his four years working under Guardiola, Sterling has emerged as one of City’s most influential figures, a fact also recognised by his peers who voted him as the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2019.
The 25-year-old finished as City’s top scorer last season, claiming 31 goals in all competitions as he also took his career tally with the Club past the 100 mark.
He has already struck five times this season and such is Sterling‘s fitness and stamina, he has also started in every game for the Club across all competitions so far this term.
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Sterling is set to be a key figure in Sunday’s vital Premier League clash with his former Liverpool at the Etihad and ahead of the game, Guardiola described him as ‘one of the most fantastic players he has coached.’
But quizzed at his Liverpool pre-match press conference about his improvements as a player in the time in charge at City, Guardiola instead insisted Sterling’s mentality and hunger was such that he was capable of further improvements over the next few years.
“I think he’s a better player than he was when he arrived and hopefully in four years he’ll be better than he is right now,” Guardiola asserted.
“So, it’s a process. He’s an exceptional player for all the minutes and his physicality and, of course, he will be there again on Sunday.
“There will be a moment where he takes a rest but he’s a very important player for us.
“I’m pretty sure of his mentality and desire and he’s improved a lot since I arrived and all the credit for him but I wish that in three or four years he will be a much, much better player than he is today.”
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Sterling has been tipped by many as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner.
But rather than focusing on trying to attain such individual plaudits, the City boss said the overriding priority for Sterling was to maintain his focus and desire.
“My advice to him would be to don’t think about this - there’s no sense - just enjoy the life and focus and destiny will dictate who he is as a player,” Guardiola added.
“But he is one of the most fantastic players I have had in my career as a manager. It will depend on him of course and his performance.”
