Liverpool's Raheem Sterling told to sort his life out by concerned boss Rodgers
Last season's teen sensation now making more headlines for his legal problems than his football is urged to get back on track
John Powell
Brendan Rodgers has warned Raheem Sterling he must sort out his life to deliver on his massive potential.
Liverpool manager Rodgers offered some frank advice to the Reds' exciting teenage England star, who is struggling to make the same explosive impact he had last year, when he burst onto the Premier League scene.
Sterling, still just 18, was involved in a court case last week, when he was cleared of assaulting his former girlfriend, 19-year-old model Shana Ann Rose Halliday.
The Anfield forward denied common assault, and walked free from Liverpool Crown Court after the case against him collapsed.
But he faces more legal action after twice failing to turn to up to court over minor traffic offences.
It is clear Rodgers - who has become something of a father figure to Sterling - believes the time has come for the youngster to dedicate himself to football.
“Raheem needs to have a clear mind in everything in his life - he needs to stabilise his life,” the Liverpool manager explained.
“We mustn’t forget he is 18, but he has to understand the remarkable opportunity he has at one of the biggest clubs in the world and focus everything in on his career.
“Once he does that and he is clear in his mind, he has no distraction and we can get to the level of performance of the first four or five months of last season.”
Sterling burst onto the scene when Rodgers placed his trust in the then-untried 17-year-old, who proved such a sensation he earned a call-up into the full England squad.
But he has failed to make anything like the same impact this season, with just fleeting glimpses of his talent from the bench.
Many believe it is because he has embraced the celebrity lifestyle far too eagerly after being given a huge new contract when he turned 18.
Rodgers admitted he's had a heart to heart with the winger to try to get his feet firmly back on the ground.
“He is a good boy and had lots going on last year when he was put in the spotlight and he did well, but now it’s about him focusing on his football,” he added.
This is not the first time Rodgers has had words with Sterling...
Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has been told by Anfield MD Ian Ayre that his behaviour has damaged the club.
Liverpool manager Rodgers offered some frank advice to the Reds' exciting teenage England star, who is struggling to make the same explosive impact he had last year, when he burst onto the Premier League scene.
Sterling, still just 18, was involved in a court case last week, when he was cleared of assaulting his former girlfriend, 19-year-old model Shana Ann Rose Halliday.
The Anfield forward denied common assault, and walked free from Liverpool Crown Court after the case against him collapsed.
But he faces more legal action after twice failing to turn to up to court over minor traffic offences.
It is clear Rodgers - who has become something of a father figure to Sterling - believes the time has come for the youngster to dedicate himself to football.
“Raheem needs to have a clear mind in everything in his life - he needs to stabilise his life,” the Liverpool manager explained.
“We mustn’t forget he is 18, but he has to understand the remarkable opportunity he has at one of the biggest clubs in the world and focus everything in on his career.
“Once he does that and he is clear in his mind, he has no distraction and we can get to the level of performance of the first four or five months of last season.”
Sterling burst onto the scene when Rodgers placed his trust in the then-untried 17-year-old, who proved such a sensation he earned a call-up into the full England squad.
But he has failed to make anything like the same impact this season, with just fleeting glimpses of his talent from the bench.
Many believe it is because he has embraced the celebrity lifestyle far too eagerly after being given a huge new contract when he turned 18.
Rodgers admitted he's had a heart to heart with the winger to try to get his feet firmly back on the ground.
“He is a good boy and had lots going on last year when he was put in the spotlight and he did well, but now it’s about him focusing on his football,” he added.
This is not the first time Rodgers has had words with Sterling...
Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has been told by Anfield MD Ian Ayre that his behaviour has damaged the club.
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