Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling admits that Monaco gave them a ‘tough game’ following their 5-3 victory in the Champions League on Tuesday.
REACTION: Guardiola praise City’s ‘fighting spirit’
The Citizens came from behind twice to put five goals past the Ligue 1 side and now head into their second leg tie with a two-goal lead over Monaco.
The England international admits that he was delighted to have played his role in his side’s victory and has praised City’s overall performance on the day.
‘It was good to be a part of. It was end-to-end stuff and Monaco gave us a tough game and pushed us all the way,’ Sterling told the Manchester City website.
‘We got the win and that’s the most important thing today. It’s always difficult to go down, but the boys did really well. We played our football and stuck to our game and it worked out in the end.’
However, Sterling has urged his side to ‘tighten up’ their defence ahead of their second leg tie at home to the current log leaders in the French Ligue 1.
‘At the end of the day we need to tighten up at the back as well,’ he added.
Manchester City will next take on Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on March 1.
The match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off at 21:45.