Raheem Sterling says his game was being stifled under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, while he now feels "much more free" working with Pep Guardiola.

Sterling, 21, has been in impressive form for City under Pellegrini's successor Guardiola this season, having scored five goals and registered six assists in nine appearances so far.

The England international's form has been a major improvement on that of last season, with the winger often coming in for criticism following his big-money move from Liverpool.

"It was really difficult [last season] because I didn't feel I could play my natural game [under Pellegrini]," Sterling told the Mail on Sunday.

"Everyone was two-touch kings. The whole training session was based on two touches. I wasn't able to dribble. I like to dribble and I like to have fun and take players on.

"But you can't do that with two touches. Sometimes, the way it works is that what you do in training sessions is what you do in the game. You get in a habit."

Raheem Sterling has impressed for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images

In contrast, Sterling says he has been given more freedom to express himself under Guardiola, leading to better displays on the pitch.

"Coming in this year, it's been different," he said. "I had five minutes with Pep and he showed me on the board where he wants me to be and what he wants me to do and he said the rest was down to me.

"He said with my ability I needed to get at my defenders, try to make crosses and score and as soon as I lose the ball, get back into position. Against West Ham, I scored a goal and he wasn't happy because I didn't go at my full-back as much as he wanted and I had lots of opportunities.

"It's a great challenge because he wants me to be more direct with my running and get at players because he wants me to create as many chances as he can and score goals.

"I feel I have more freedom to express myself now. I'm not going to lie about that -- I feel much more free. When I get the ball, I have the authority to be myself and try to create chances."