Joe Hart praises 'laid-back' Raheem Sterling as Manchester City face Liverpool
Friday 20 November 2015 13:24, UK
Manchester City's Joe Hart has told Sky Sports News HQ that Raheem Sterling will take the jeers of Liverpool's fans in his stride.
Sterling faces his former club for the first time since his high-profile £49m summer move when Jurgen Klopp's side visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1.
England goalkeeper Hart has played alongside the forward for both club and country and insists he been extremely impressed with his new team-mate's attitude.
"He's a very, very laid back guy and a great addition to our squad," Hart said.
"He takes everything in his stride, I'm a big fan of his and will back him all the way. He's the same guy whether he's getting pounded in the press or praised in the press.
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"I think the whole thing with Raheem has gone now. He got a few boos in pre-season around the world, Liverpool have got a big fan base, but they have got other things to worry about now.
"It's a big game for us. It's a team that we've struggled against away from home recently. We've had better form at home. Obviously they have a new manager, and I'm sure they have a similar situation with people coming back from international duty and injury. We'll be ready."
Hart feels Sterling has helped Manchester City to successfully change their tactical approach in big games this season.
He pinpointed their victory over Sevilla in the Champions League and their goalless draw against Manchester United as examples of when they have moved away from their typical game-plan.
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"We've changed it a few times, especially in the Champions League," Hart added. "We did particularly well playing a certain way in Sevilla, and we played a little bit differently away at Manchester United.
"Other than that we have pretty much been on the front foot, how we've played for a number of years now under Pellegrini. How we set up is how we play. We've got some really strong players that don't need too much training or honing. You tell them what they need to do and that's how they play."
Hart has kept seven clean sheets this season, the most in the Premier League, and City have conceded the second fewest amount of goals so far this campaign.
Despite the statistics and his own good form, the fact that Manchester City have not won a trophy this year bothers Hart.
"It's been a trophy-less 2015, so the only way I can look at it from that point of view is it's not been great," Hart continued. "But I am in a good rhythm.
"I have a good relationship with the back four I am playing with and we're moving forward. We're top of the league, we're still in all the competitions we can be, so on that side we're in a good place."
Don't forget, you can watch Manchester City v Liverpool on Saturday Night Football from 5pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
