MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola has praised Raheem Sterling for making a stand against racism, saying the Manchester City winger is showing “the reality of our society.”
City winger Sterling has emerged as a leader in fighting racism in football and called on UEFA to take action after England players suffered abuse during their victory over Montenegro on Monday.
The 24-year-old has previously criticised media coverage of black players, which he said “helps fuel racism.”
Guardiola told a news conference that football can lead by example and said the club could be prepared to take players off the pitch if they were subjected to abuse.
“Raheem with his behaviour showed us the reality of our society,” Guardiola said ahead of City’s clash with Fulham on Saturday.
“I think in Europe, not in football, it’s getting worse. Yes, of course, it’s a concern. I’m a human being and it’s not nice.”
Asked if he would take players off, he added: “You could do that. Football is a strong weapon to defend the principles of humanity, I remember when people said you cannot mix politics and football, that is not true.
“When the club, the players or the official decides to do it we are going to follow them.
“I’m not alone at the club. It would have to involve the chairman, the CEO, the captain, my players but if we all decide it is a good decision, then why not? The situation changes when you do something and if you don’t, it’s impossible.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola has said that he has virtually a full squad to choose from ahead of the lunchtime kickoff at Craven Cottage.
Only Fabian Delph is ruled out with injury. And Benjamin Mendy, who has missed much of the season with problems, is back in contention although the City boss said they must manage his return.
City could move back top of the table with a win and put the pressure on title-rivals Liverpool ahead of their clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
“Everyone came back fit [from the international break] and with Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Vincent Kompany, everybody is OK,” he said.
“[Mendy] needs time but he trained the last three days and the reaction in his knee is really good.
“Except Fabian Delph, the others are fit and we have 21-22 players, and they have to compete with each other to take a place in their position.”
City’s game against Fulham is the first in the Premier League in three weeks and Guardiola is expecting a tough race with Liverpool with the chance of an unprecedented quadruple.
“We have a contender and last season we didn’t have it — we’ve got a similar incredible amount of points,” he added.
“We are going to play 11 games, maybe 12 if we deserve it or 14-15 but we have to deserve it. We have eight left in the Premier League and game by game we will see what happens.”
Earlier on Friday, Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino also lent his support to Sterling while providing an update on Danny Rose who was also on the pitch in Montenegro.