Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 7y

Sergio Aguero admits pressure is on him to keep Manchester City place

MANCHESTER -- Sergio Aguero led Manchester City's Champions League fightback against Monaco and the striker says it's up to him to impress manager Pep Guardiola.

Speculation has increased that the Argentine striker could leave the Etihad at the end of the season after he lost his place to Gabriel Jesus last month.

But following a foot injury to the Brazilian, which will rule him out for much of the season, Aguero has been recalled to the starting lineup by the City boss.

And Aguero was back to his best in the 5-3 victory over Monaco in the round-of-16 first leg, scoring twice and brilliantly setting up the final goal for Leroy Sane.

"The truth is that those things are for the manager to decide, the only thing I can do is keep fighting to be able to play," Aguero told reporters. "Fortunately he counted on me, now I have to help the team and show what I can do.

"As I've always said I want to be here at the club, I've always said that at the end of the season it won't be my decision. The truth is that with these things it's the club that handles everything, and obviously it's always my intention to stay.

"The truth is we get on very well. What he wants, above everything, from all the players is that we push a little more. He's always asking me for more, more, more!

"Obviously it's a sacrifice I have to make, that we all have to make, and fortunately tonight it worked and we'll see if it keeps working in the next game."

It could have been an even better night for City had Spanish referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz awarded a penalty when Aguero appeared to be brought down by Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic in the first half.

But instead the City striker was booked for diving -- a decision that Guardiola refused to comment on.

"He touched my foot but these are things that happen," Aguero added. "The referee told me that he wasn't going to give it, it happens and sometimes you can get it wrong but you have to accept it.

"[The tie] is not over but it's important that we're two goals up, if it was one obviously it would be more complicated."

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