• Premier League

Rodgers wants to avoid Sterling burnout

ESPN staff
December 17, 2012
Raheem Sterling has cut a dash for Liverpool this season © Getty Images
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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he will look to hand teenage sensation Raheem Sterling a break in the near future.

Sterling powered into the spotlight this season, with his displays for Liverpool in the Premier League earning him international recognition with England.

Rodgers feels physically Sterling can cope with the demands of regular top-flight action, but is concerned by the mental toll regular play is having on the attacker.

"There is no doubt Raheem is one who does need that breather," Rodgers told the club's official website. "I've thought about it over the past couple of weeks. In order to do that you need to have that depth to take him out and put somebody else in.

"That's something I'm thinking about - who to put in. He's a naturally very, very fit boy but he needs that mental rest as well.

"For the kid, it's about efficiency as well, tactically he's still very young. That time will come and he will get the breather soon enough."

One player Rodgers will not be looking to rest is Luis Suarez, with the manager of the opinion that the Uruguayan is at his best when he is active.

"I think there is an element of [fatigue] but not with Luis," Rodgers said. "He's at his best when he is playing regular.

"He will tell you himself, if he was playing one game a week he would lose his rhythm - he likes to play lots of games. But I think there are others we need to give a break."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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