Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers thinks Raheem Sterling's future lies at Anfield
Saturday 14 March 2015 14:09, UK
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he is "quite relaxed" about the situation regarding a possible new deal for forward Raheem Sterling, despite rumours that negotiations on an extension have stalled.
Rodgers said recently that the club had made an "incredible" offer to the 20-year-old England international but it was reported on Saturday that Sterling wanted to put talks on hold until the end of the season.
The delay may pique the interest of big European clubs such as Real Madrid but Rodgers is unconcerned, pointing out that Sterling's current deal does not expire until 2017.
"There is nothing new to report on it, I am quite relaxed about Raheem's situation," said the Liverpool boss.
"He is not going anywhere in a hurry. He has still got this season and another couple of years to go on his contract.
He (Sterling) has made it clear himself that he loves being here, and I think he was quoted as saying this is the best place for any young player to develop, so that makes me quite relaxed.
"I think it is quite obvious, when you look at Raheem's situation, that anyone with Raheem's best interests would see Liverpool as the best option for his career.
"He turned 20 in December and he has made 114 appearances, which is a remarkable amount at a club of this size.
"He has made it clear himself that he loves being here, and I think he was quoted as saying this is the best place for any young player to develop, so that makes me quite relaxed.
"I am sure the club and his representatives will find the solution for that.
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“We have a track record here of developing talents, bringing them through, giving them the opportunity, and there will be more players like Raheem who will get the opportunity.
"Regarding his situation, I am quite relaxed."
Asked why he thought an extension had not yet been agreed, Rodgers added: "I'm not sure, it is not in my area really.
"I speak to Raheem about his football and concentrate on his football and see what goes from there."
Possible contract extensions for Sterling and midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has been filling in for the injured Steven Gerrard as captain, are currently making the headlines.
The model of this club is to develop the talent and create world-class players and then, of course, it is important we keep those, and that is something we are working hard to do.
But Rodgers is confident the duo will not be distracted during a critical phase of the season, as the Reds chase a top-four finish and look to continue their FA Cup run.
"These are two players who want to ensure they are here for the future," he said.
"The model of this club is to develop the talent and create world-class players and then, of course, it is important we keep those, and that is something we are working hard to do.
"The players are working well, they are concentrated, and that side of it they have to leave to their representatives and the club, so we'll just focus on the football.
"It is never easy but there are players, with all due respect, in League Two and League One who are working on six-month or one-year contracts.
"It is a lot more insecure at that level than it is at this level, so I am sure they will cope fine knowing they have two or two-and-a-half years left on their deals."
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