Brendan Rodgers acknowledges Raheem Sterling wanted to clear the air, but the Liverpool manager didn’t approve of the young star’s high-profile approach to doing so.
Rodgers said Thursday that Sterling made a mistake in giving an unauthorized interview to the BBC, according to Sky Sports. The 20-year-old discussed his ongoing contract saga with Liverpool and other topics Wednesday during the wide-ranging interview with Natalie Pirks. Rodgers commented on the interview and Sterling’s future one day later.
“There was no permission (for the interview) from us,” Rodgers said at his press conference. “He will learn we all make mistakes in life, especially when you are young.
“I think the kid has tried to put off all talk about contract and money. For now hopefully focus will be on football.”
Rodgers also addressed rumors claiming Liverpool might sell Sterling this summer. Sterling’s contract expires in 2017, and a number of clubs in England and Europe reportedly are ready to make transfer bids for him. Rodgers said potential suitors shouldn’t bother testing the resolve of one of the soccer world’s biggest clubs.
“Liverpool are one of the superpowers of football, and the owners have made it clear that money doesn’t come in to it,” Rodgers said. “If the club don’t want to sell, they don’t have to. It’s as simple as that. Money has never been the objective here.
“If any player ever left here, whether it be Raheem or anyone else, it would always be on the terms of the football club. But that’s a long way off — for us, it’s about continuing the nurturing and development of a young player who has made huge strides.”
Rodgers and Sterling remain focused on the immediate task at hand: Saturday’s crunch Premier League game at Arsenal. The Reds still are chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League, and Sterling will continue to be a key figure in Liverpool’s pursuit of success.
Sterling’s BBC interview (video) >>
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@LivEchoLFC
