Pep Guardiola - Raheem Sterling Was Needed Against Chelsea

Pep Guardiola backed his decision to start Raheem Sterling against Chelsea.

Fans did not expect the winger to start off the back of his poor form this season.

But Guardiola explained why Manchester City needed Sterling to break the line of Chelsea’s defence. When asked if Sterling was a wildcard selection, the City boss said at halftime, “No, absolutely not, they play a system five at the back, we need specific players and in that area and we decide for Raheem.”

Guardiola added: “If we want a chance to win, we have to attack. Of course, you have to defend but our way is to attack.

“We need everyone. The second-half, I’m sure will be pretty different to the beginning.”

Of course, the night ended in despair for the Cityzens who went home with only a runners-up medal.

“It’s really devastating, heartbreaking,” Shaun Goater admitted. “I’m trying to find the words – it is disappointing.

“I really thought with the way the game was going that it was lined up for us.

“We didn’t quite perform to the levels we have shown for the second half of the season but I thought: ‘This is a good thing. We can go on to get an equaliser and go on to win.’

“The disappointment will be not having worked the ‘keeper enough. We have quality players who know about the big stage.

“That will be the disappointment when we all look back and reflect: why we didn’t work the ‘keeper – but sometimes, you have to say the opposition was really good on the day.

“We’ve come such a long way. This team has been phenomenal throughout the season to get this far.

“In Pep we trust because the way we’ve played and what we’ve produced in terms of trophies has been phenomenal.”

READ MORE: Top 5 Manchester City Goalkeepers

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