Raheem Sterling has sent a warning to Liverpool that Manchester City have laid a marker down for next season.
Sterling had a fine game for City as they ran out 4-0 winners over the Reds, who seemed to be suffering a hangover from their title celebrations.
City have not been up to Liverpool's level this season but still showed at the Etihad that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sterling revealed that Pep Guardiola told the City side that they should view the game as the start of next season.
He said: "We knew we were behind, we were disappointed at times this season.
"We lost some games we knew we shouldn't have lost and we had a test against the current champions to make a point.
"I thought we did brilliantly. It was one of those ones.
" The manager said we go out here and try to do our best. Next season starts today and I think we did well.”
Sterling paid tribute to Liverpool, revealing that he knew his side had to play strongly against his former employers.
He said: "They've been brilliant all year.
"We knew we had to come out there strong and we wanted to have a good game against them.
"I thought we started really well and credit to the boys."
