Critics won’t bother Sterling

MANUEL Pellegrini claims he doesn’t understand why Liverpool fans would abuse Raheem Sterling.

The Manchester City boss thinks Anfield should welcome back the 21 year old tonight as he makes his first return Liverpool since last summer’s acrimonious £49million switch to the Etihad Stadium.

Reds fans made clear their disdain for the player during Sunday’s Capital One Cup final at Wembley, and the Anfield rematch is unlikely to witness anything different.

But Pellegrini said: “I do not understand why the Liverpool fans boo him because I think James Milner was very well received here in a similar situation. It’s not the best, but I prefer to have those boos from the other team than from your own fans.

“It’s difficult for any player, but all of them are prepared to do it without any problem. I don’t see Raheem worrying about that.”

City won on Sunday after extra time and penalties. Pellegrini expects both sets of players to be tired, but hopes the joy of Wembley glory will put an extra spring in his side's step.

Pellegrini’s side has breathed fresh life into its season in the past week with an impressive Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev as well as their cup-final success.



MANCHESTER City forward Kevin De Bruyne remains hopeful of returning to training by the end of March.

The Belgian playmaker — signed for a club record £54million last summer — suffered knee and ankle injuries in the Capital One Cup semi–final on January 27.

The 24 year old said, “Everything is going according to plan. I’ve been working cautiously for four weeks. Now the brace is off, the real work is about to begin.”