Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed confidence in his team’s ability ahead of their feisty Premier League clash with Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea on April 27th.
The Reds approach the derby clash with 5 points more than the West Londoners, having swept off Norwich in a manner characteristic of them this season and with Sunderland having denied the Blues their 3 points with an unexpected victory at Stamford Bridge. Before discussing the Chelsea game, Rodgers first offered an insight into the style of his players.
“When they are in the changing room just before we go out, I always tell them, 'Lose yourself, focus on the ball and focus on the team. If you do that, then we can be a real force,'“ he said.
“You have seen all the characteristics of our team today (Sunday). A wonderful invention and creativity, courage, arrogance on the ball, goal-scoring, young players and senior players all playing, and instructions that allow them to express themselves."
“It's going to be a brilliant game next weekend with Chelsea coming to Anfield. The supporters will be right up for it and the players as well. We are looking forward to it.”
The Red’s boss also could not resist lavishing praise on young winger Raheem Sterling who had netted twice in the 3-0 triumph over Norwich.
“He is arguably the best young player in European football at the moment,” Rodgers continued.
“He is 19 years of age and if he doesn't win the (Professional Footballers' Association) Young Player of the Year award, it's ridiculous."
“I have been really pleased with his maturity. He puts an awful lot of time into his work and we have tried to play him in different positions to improve his football intelligence."
“He's got that in-built belief that he can be a good player, but he's a really humble lad.”
