Sterling: Guardiola killed me after Crystal Palace draw

Raheem Sterling says Pep Guardiola "killed" him after Manchester City drew with Crystal Palace in December, although he insists the manager is bringing the very best out of him.

City dropped points away from home in the Premier League for the first time this season at Selhurst Park and would have lost the match were it not for a late penalty save by Ederson.

Guardiola was unhappy with aspects of his team's performance and Sterling says he was subjected to some stern words in the dressing room after failing to make an impact off the bench.

"He lets you know when he's not happy with you," Sterling told a news conference. "I remember coming on against Crystal Palace. I lost the ball three times and I didn't think I was going to play until the end of the season after he killed me in the dressing room.

"A manager like that brings the best out of you, when he makes sure to tell you when you're in the wrong."