Football
PA Sport 9y

Raheem Sterling doesn't deserve criticism he gets, says Pellegrini

Raheem Sterling has been subjected to unfair criticism over his move to Manchester City from Liverpool, says manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Sterling will be the chief focus of attention at The Hawthorns following his acrimonious £49 million transfer over the summer.

Much of the headlines surrounding the 20-year-old in recent months have been negative and he will want to make a quick start in City colours to turn discussion back to his football.

Pellegrini is confident he can do that and has been pleased with how quickly the player has fitted in during pre-season.

Pellegrini said: "He has settled in very well. He wants to come here, he wants to have new challenges. I don't think he deserves criticism about that.

"He is working very well and it is easy for good players to settle in a good team. I think we are going to have a very successful player this year."

Sterling is likely to be thrown straight into the action with Pellegrini having suggested that he may ease his four Copa America players, including star striker Sergio Aguero, back into action because of their summer exertions.

There could also be an opportunity for Wilfried Bony, who is now the only other senior out-and-out striker in the squad following the departure of Stevan Jovetic and imminent sale of Edin Dzeko. Bony has made a slow start to his City career, scoring just twice since his £28 million January move from Swansea. 

Pellegrini said: "Bony is a very good player. He was very unlucky last season because he started with the African Nations Cup and after that he had an injury for about a month and a half. We have a squad and have to fight for four titles. I think Bony will be very important in that squad."

The trip to Tony Pulis' West Brom, followed by next week's clash with champions Chelsea, makes for a potentially tricky opening to the season for City.

Pellegrini said: "All the games in the Premier League are very difficult, especially when you start because everyone expects to have a good season. Playing away is not the same to starting at home but we are confident we are going to have a good game."

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