Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling has credited Pep Guardiola for his impressive start to the new campaign.
Sterling moved to the Etihad in the summer of 2015 after Liverpool accepted an offer in the region of £50m for the England international, who had submitted a transfer request.
The winger struggled during his first campaign in Manchester and was also largely criticised for his performances during England's embarrassing last-16 exit at Euro 2016.
The 21-year-old has started the new campaign in impressive form, however, scoring twice in four Premier League appearances, and he has paid tribute to Guardiola's managerial style.
"When I was on holiday in the summer I said I need to come back working hard to show the manager that I am willing to fight for a place. Pep makes it simple - he tells you it like it is. He gives me a lot of confidence as a young player," Sterling told reporters.
"I got a lot of criticism last year which I thought was a bit unfair. Now I don't pay it any mind. I don't read things like that. Since day one the manager has tried to up the team spirit. Last year we were all close but now we're closer than ever."
Man City, who have won all six of their competitive matches this season, will open their 2016-17 Champions League campaign at home to German side Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday night.
