Brendan Rodgers talked to the press today about Liverpool’s clash with West Ham United on Saturday, amongst other things.
With a potential return to action after five months out, Daniel Sturridge was something the press were hugely interested in:
Rodgers was asked about the impact Sturridge’s absence has had on Liverpool’s season and whether it was the difference between them and the top four:
“No question. I think it’s had a huge impact on our season. You can trace that back to the beginning of the season when we played one of our early games against Tottenham and you could see the reference he was to the team in that match.”
“He hasn’t played and the team struggled for a few months, but thankfully we’ve now nailed down a way of working and returned to our football ideals.”
On whether or not the striker will play on Saturday, Rodgers said:
“But we’ll give him another day and I’ll have another chat with him tomorrow just to see where he’s at, but he looks in top-class condition.”
Rodgers was also asked about Mamadou Sakho, who came off injured in Liverpool’s loss to Chelsea on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman briefly added:
“Sakho we will assess tomorrow. He’s still recovering.”
The Raheem Sterling contract ‘saga’ as it is turning into now, was also put to Rodgers. He said:
“Raheem is very happy here. He’s a young player that is playing at one of the greatest clubs in the world and playing very well. He’s a real sponge of learning; he’s a young player that knows he’s in the right place to develop and be looked after.”
“It’s all in hand with the football club (new contract) and his representatives. I’m sure it will be sorted and organised very soon.”
Rodgers was also questioned about any potential signings in this transfer window. However, Rodgers doesn’t expect any arrivals this month:
“I would want to be able to do one or two things – but players aren’t always available, and players that can come in and improve you. I’ve always said that the likelihood is that we wouldn’t do anything this window, and that will probably prove to be the case.”
