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Sterling: Mourinho can forget mind games

Raheem Sterling says his confidence is "sky high" thanks to Brendan Rodgers © Getty Images

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Raheem Sterling has suggested Liverpool aren't worried about any potential mind games from Jose Mourinho ahead of Chelsea's crucial visit to Anfield on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers' side need a maximum of seven points from their final three matches to secure a first league title in 24 years.

Liverpool's 3-2 win at Norwich at the weekend was their 11th successive league victory, and left them five points clear of second-place Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

"We will just take it as another game. We won't concentrate too much on what is happening outside," Sterling told British national newspapers.

"Everyone in the changing room is really up for it. It is a really big part of the season and we will just go in there to fight again.

"We just want to take care of what is happening on the pitch. We want to get three more points. We come in every day, we see each other and we know what the dream is. We are keeping each other modest.

"If we keep working hard, there is a real goal at the end of it. We just have to keep our heads down, keep working hard and concentrate on Chelsea. We are working for each other and fighting for our lives. I don't think we are nervous, we just know what we can get out of it."

Sterling scored twice in the win at Norwich, prompting Rodgers afterwards to describe him as "arguably the best young player in Europe".

The 19-year-old has played a key part in Liverpool's surge for the title since the beginning of 2014, having been a fringe player during the first half of the season. He had made only one league start this season by the end of November, but has been a regular since. His form over the last five months has made him a likely candidate to go to this summer's World Cup as part of the England squad.

"He has had belief in me," said Sterling. "He has put me in different positions and had the faith to try me there. I am just glad I got a goal for him and a goal for the team. I knew I had a lot to give this season. I just have confidence now and right now it is sky high."

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