With jabs sailing back and forth between the England and Liverpool camps over Raheem Sterling’s physical fitness and who has the better training regime, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has moved to clear the air and dispel some of the conspiracy theories that have been floating around.
“I’m fed up reading about this club v country, claims we intervened and put pressure on Roy Hodgson,” said the Northern Irishman. “I’ve read we sent a dossier to the FA on Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge and I’m having showdown talks with Roy Hodgson on Sunday and all sorts of rubbish. The decision not to play him was a managerial decision. I haven’t said a single word but have to say I have never seen such rubbish written over the past few days.”
While it’s entirely possible that not only has seen such rubbish, but much worse, this story doesn’t look to be slowing down one bit with everyone and their Grandmother wading into the debate. This, obviously, isn’t the first time that Liverpool have been embroiled in a row with the national side, but Sterling’s decision to talk to England boss Roy Hodgson about being fatigued has divided opinions quite sharply with a number of prominent players praising the youngster, while ex-players seem to be less than impressed with his actions.
Regardless, Rodgers isn’t interested in your opinion or those of anyone else and has thrown his unequivocal support behind him. “He did not say he was not able to play. What he said was he felt tired. and what you do is take on board all the information and then make a decision. You respect Roy’s decision not to play him.” continued the Reds boss. “What has been disappointing and grossly unfair is how the kid has been on the back pages for something he did not say. It shook him a bit but he has been brilliant in training. He is back here in a secure environment where he can develop.”
