Pellegrini confident Sterling will make his mark against Liverpool - but preaches need to improve

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is confident Raheem Sterling will not be fazed by facing Liverpool at Wembley, but acknowledged that the youngster has had his ups and downs this season.

Sterling moved to the Etihad Stadium in controversial circumstances, having been caught in a bitter public war waged between his agent, Aidy Ward, and his former employers at Anfield.

The 21-year-old was one of City's best players in the impressive 3-1 victory against Dynamo Kiev in midweek, but had struggled for form since the turn of the year.

Pellegrini says he is happy to brought the winger to the club, but having highlighted his need to improve on several occasions already this season he once again insisted that any future success depends on his evolution as a player.

"If we win a couple of titles and Raheem has an important performance it will be a good season for him," the Chilean told the press. "I don’t think it’s good to analyse his season in this moment. He has done good things, bad things and was very important the other day.

"He is a very young player so must improve every year. If you ask me if I’m happy to bring him here this year then yes, I am very happy. He continues to improve and give a lot of things to our squad."

Sterling has scored 10 goals in 36 City appearances this season, including a hat-trick against Bournemouth and two important late goals as the Blues clinched top spot in the Champions League against Borussia Monchengladbach.

However, the England international has failed to impose himself on a number of big games, including recent defeats to title rivals Leicester City and Tottenham.

Nevertheless, Pellegrini believes he has all the raw ingredients to be a matchwinner in the future, but again preached the need to improve.

"That will depend on the way he develops in the next years," he said. "He has a lot of speed, good technique, goals - that’s why we bought him. I’m sure he can be a very successful player but it will depend on the way he improves."

Sterling will face Liverpool for the second time since his big move when he lines up for the League Cup final at Wembley at Sunday, having struggled against the Reds in November's heavy Premier League defeat.

But Pellegrini has no concerns that he will have a good game, despite having to face old friends.

"For every player it is never comfortable to play against an old team. Everyone has links, friends inside the club. But he is a professional player. He came here to win titles. I’m sure he will have a very good performance.

"I don’t think he has anything to prove. For him that motivation is very good. I hope he will be focused just on having a good performance and not thinking about the boos he receives during the game or what happened in the past.

"He is now a Manchester City player and he will try to win for us."