Rodgers denies a rift with Raheem forced sale
BRENDAN RODGERS has railed against claims that a breakdown in his relationship with Raheem Sterling forced the England winger into Manchester City’s arms.
Liverpool arrived here yesterday for the first leg of their pre-season tour with Rodgers determined to embark on a new era, following Steven Gerrard’s move to LA Galaxy and Sterling’s staggering £ 49million switch to the Etihad Stadium.
The divorce of Sterling and Liverpool became messy, with his agent Aidy Ward suggesting he wanted to move as he felt trust had been breached; it culminated when Sterling told Rodgers he would not join the pre- season tour. He then failed to report for training twice last week, citing illness.
Rodgers, though, stressed there was no ulterior motive behind Sterling’s decision to join City. He was reluctant to speak at length on the subject at Liverpool’s hotel but wanted to get a message across.
‘Raheem and I have stayed very strong in our relationship and have been right up until we left (for Bangkok),’ said Rodgers. ‘So there is no issue there. I spoke to Raheem at length before I left yesterday.
‘The two clubs have agreed a deal and subject to a medical he will move on. At this moment the interest is in the players that are here. The key for us is the team.’
Asked why he felt Liverpool would improve, Rodgers continued: ‘ Individuals like Raheem would have benefited from the team. We obviously need the team to be stronger and more competitive than we were last season but that will be reliant on everyone.
‘The camp has been strong, the focus hard and we just want to continue and take that confidence into the beginning of the season. We are very pleased with the players we have brought in.’
Liverpool’s £41.5million outlay on six new players is spearheaded by Hoffenheim striker Roberto Firmino. That figure may rise if they prise Christian Benteke away from Aston Villa, but they are reluctant to pay his £32.5m release clause.
Rodgers was prickly when he was asked how busy Liverpool would be in the remainder of the window.
‘It is something I don’t want to go into in a press conference,’ he said. ‘I spent a lot of last season talking about transfers and it’s not something I really want to do this year. Any business will be done behind the scenes.’
Central defender Martin Skrtel is confident last season’s dreadful form will not be repeated. ‘We didn’t have a good season last year but I believe with the new faces we will be stronger,’ he said.