Liverpool boss slams Raheem Sterling’s agent following Arsenal loss

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Raheem Sterling has been dominating the back-pages once again this morning…

Brendan Rodgers was asked some difficult questions in his post-match press conference yesterday, but a defiant Liverpool boss hit back with some of his own, asking whether any loyalty remains in football.

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The Northern Irishman, still fuming over our 4-1 mauling at the hands of Arsenal, launched a scathing attack on the agent of Raheem Sterling Aidy Ward, whose actions unhelpfully dominated the build-up to the game.

Rodgers was quick to back his player, who was one of the few bright sparks in yesterday’s disappointment, but did not shy away from questioning why his agent would cause such a media furore ahead of big game.

He said: “You are not a 20-year-old boy and you pick up the phone and ask to speak to the BBC. You don’t do it. Him in particular. But, of course, if he is asked to do that by other parties then that is what he’ll do.

“In the modern game it’s something that would frustrate us all. It’s the market. In fairness to Raheem, I brought Raheem in from the youth team so I know the kid well and I know a big part of this is nothing to do with him.

“The kid is focused on his football, works hard every single day, he just wants to play his football. The kid gives me everything every time he trains and plays. Loyalty is not something so prevalent in the modern game.”

Reports in the Guardian confirm that Rodgers has spoken privately with Sterling and remains confident that he won’t be leaving Anfield this summer. However, he knows only too well that the ongoing contract debate between player and club is threatening to de-stable our season completely.

Rodgers, for whom hopes of a second consecutive season of Champions League football are now hanging by a thread, added: “The only thing I will say on Raheem’s situation is anyone can see through his football development, and financial, Liverpool Football Club is the best place for him.

“He has had the opportunity to play, which is key for a young player. It’s the model of Liverpool, the owners want to create world-class talent. He came in at 17 years of age, I deemed him worthy to come in and become a regular.

“In two and a half years he has proven that. He has played in a number of different positions, which has improved him tactically and technically.”

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