Liverpool teenager Raheem Sterling claims he is in no hurry to be handed a new contract with the Premier League club.
Sterling’s displays last season as the Reds finished second behind champions Manchester City earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad for the tournament in Brazil this summer.
That has led to suggestions that the 19-year-old forward could be tied down to a lucrative new long-term contract, but Sterling insists he is yet to speak with manager Brendan Rodgers over his future.
He told reporters: “I don’t know anything about a new contract. I am just here, playing football, and if the manager comes to me with a new deal, then that’s his decision.
“But I’m not in any rush at all. I am happy to just be playing football.
“Hopefully, I will continue to learn and improve. This is a great environment to be in at this moment and I am really happy.”
Sterling accepts that his performances last season will lead to a significant increase in the attention he receives from opponents.
But the talented youngster feels that provided he keeps his cool he will be able to cope with any treatment which is meted out in his direction.
Sterling added: “It’s part of the game really, the physical side of it. You are going to get defenders that want to make sure you know their presence is there, and make sure it’s being felt.
“It is all part of it – you’ve got to keep your temper and keep calm, and try to play the game and try to score so they know it’s not all about the physical part of the game.
“I think if you are getting kicked a lot on the pitch, it means you are a threat to the opposition because they want to stop you as early as possible.
“In this game, you’ve just got to look at people like Messi or Ronaldo – they get kicked all the time, I think they are doing something right.
“So that’s why people try to stop them as early as possible.
“I’m not saying I’m a Messi or Ronaldo, but it’s the same that if you are in an attacking position, defenders will try to kick you.
“It is part of the game – you just have to get on with it and try to do your best. I like taking defenders on.
“I am learning each day and taking it all in my stride. I will definitely be keeping a cool temperament and doing my best for the team.”
Liverpool teenager Raheem Sterling claims he is in no hurry to be handed a new contract with the Premier League club.
Sterling’s displays last season as the Reds finished second behind champions Manchester City earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad for the tournament in Brazil this summer.
That has led to suggestions that the 19-year-old forward could be tied down to a lucrative new long-term contract, but Sterling insists he is yet to speak with manager Brendan Rodgers over his future.
He told reporters: “I don’t know anything about a new contract. I am just here, playing football, and if the manager comes to me with a new deal, then that’s his decision.
“But I’m not in any rush at all. I am happy to just be playing football.
“Hopefully, I will continue to learn and improve. This is a great environment to be in at this moment and I am really happy.”
Sterling accepts that his performances last season will lead to a significant increase in the attention he receives from opponents.
But the talented youngster feels that provided he keeps his cool he will be able to cope with any treatment which is meted out in his direction.
Sterling added: “It’s part of the game really, the physical side of it. You are going to get defenders that want to make sure you know their presence is there, and make sure it’s being felt.
“It is all part of it – you’ve got to keep your temper and keep calm, and try to play the game and try to score so they know it’s not all about the physical part of the game.
“I think if you are getting kicked a lot on the pitch, it means you are a threat to the opposition because they want to stop you as early as possible.
“In this game, you’ve just got to look at people like Messi or Ronaldo – they get kicked all the time, I think they are doing something right.
“So that’s why people try to stop them as early as possible.
“I’m not saying I’m a Messi or Ronaldo, but it’s the same that if you are in an attacking position, defenders will try to kick you.
“It is part of the game – you just have to get on with it and try to do your best. I like taking defenders on.
“I am learning each day and taking it all in my stride. I will definitely be keeping a cool temperament and doing my best for the team.”
Liverpool are set to make their seventh summer signing after striking a deal with Atletico Madrid for defender Javi Manquillo.
The 20-year-old right-back is due on Merseyside on Monday to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of what will be a two-year loan move.
Liverpool will have the option to buy the Spain U20 international - seen as a potential successor to Juanfran for both club and country - next summer, though the fee will be dependent on his number of appearances for the Reds.
While Manquillo should soon follow Rickie Lambert, Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren and Divock Origi through the door, goalkeeper Pepe Reina continues to be linked with an Anfield exit.
The Spaniard is back in Brendan Rodgers' fold after spending last season on loan at Napoli but Sky sources understood AC Milan are keen to secure his services, with long-standing No 1 Christian Abbiati coming to the end of his career.
Reina has two years of his contract still to run but his wages - believed to be in the region of £90,000 a week - appear the chief stumbling block to either a permanent or a temporary deal.
Liverpool are set to make their seventh summer signing after striking a deal with Atletico Madrid for defender Javi Manquillo.
The 20-year-old right-back is due on Merseyside on Monday to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of what will be a two-year loan move.
Liverpool will have the option to buy the Spain U20 international - seen as a potential successor to Juanfran for both club and country - next summer, though the fee will be dependent on his number of appearances for the Reds.
While Manquillo should soon follow Rickie Lambert, Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren and Divock Origi through the door, goalkeeper Pepe Reina continues to be linked with an Anfield exit.
The Spaniard is back in Brendan Rodgers' fold after spending last season on loan at Napoli but Sky sources understood AC Milan are keen to secure his services, with long-standing No 1 Christian Abbiati coming to the end of his career.
Reina has two years of his contract still to run but his wages - believed to be in the region of £90,000 a week - appear the chief stumbling block to either a permanent or a temporary deal.
Liverpool defeated AC Milan in Charlotte on Saturday, as they prepared for Monday’s International Champions Cup final against Manchester United with a routine 2-0 victory. Henry Jackson assesses each Reds performer on the night.
SIMON MIGNOLET- 6 (out of 10)
The Belgian was relatively untroubled throughout, but when he was called upon he was solid. Made a fine save late on.
MARTIN KELLY- 5
The 24-year-old struggled again, and really does look like a player badly affected by injuries. He offered little going forward- his athleticism seems to have deserted him- and defensively he didn’t look particularly assured.
KOLO TOURE- 6
Toure has had a solid pre-season, and he did well against a weak Milan side. He made one fine last-ditch tackle in the frist-half.
SEBASTIAN COATES- 6
Coates continued his impressive form this summer with another decent display. He looked classy on the ball and played with a maturity and confidence throughout.
JACK ROBINSON- 5
The young left-back offered plenty of diligence going forward, but he lacks the quality to become anything close to a regular for the Reds. The 20-year-old almost gifted Milan a goal having lost the ball in the first-half, but luckily Joe Allen made a vital challenge to spare his blushes.
LUCAS LEIVA- 7
The 27-year-old produced arguably his best performance of pre-season so far, winning numerous tackles and offering the defence plenty of protection. His ball retention was better than it has been too.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 8
Henderson was excellent once again, showing just what an important player he has become for Liverpool. He drove forward with pace and power and showed good creativity on the ball in his 45 minutes on the pitch. He’s starting to show signs of Steven Gerrard at that age.
JOE ALLEN- 8
Allen played a key role in proceedings, and was more influential than he has been of late. He took his goal well, showcased his passing range and made one crucial tackle at the other end.
RAHEEM STERLING- 7
The 19-year-old looked very lively in his 45 minutes on show, winning the penalty that Rickie Lambert missed and generally posing a threat whenever he got the ball.
JORDON IBE- 8
Ibe was Liverpool’s star man, outlining just what huge potential he has. The 18-year-old is extremely strong physically, and Milan simply couldn’t handle him when he ran at them with the ball. He played a key role in the lead-up to the penalty, running almost the whole length of the pitch with the ball.
RICKIE LAMBERT- 5
The 32-year-old is struggling early on in a Reds shirt, perhaps understandably, and he almost looks to be trying too hard. His touch was heavy, he lacked movement and his penalty miss will do his confidence no good.
Substitutes
CONOR COADY (on for Henderson 46)- 6
The 21-year-old sat in the midfield, and didn’t look out of place in what was a mature performance.
SUSO (on for Sterling 46)- 7
The young Spaniard oozed quality on the ball, and his terrific finish sealed Liverpool’s victory late on.
GLEN JOHNSON (on for Kelly 60)- 6
The 29-year-old got forward well, but didn’t really have much of an impact on the game.
MARTIN SKRTEL (on for Toure 60)- 6
The Slovakian was largely unnoticed in his 30-minute cameo, but did nothing wrong.
MAMADOU SAKHO (on for Coates 60)- 7
The 24-year-old was dominant when he came on, and although some claim the opposite because of his slightly awkward style, he was impressive as ever in possession.
JOSE ENRIQUE (on for Robinson 60)- 6
The Spaniard was quiet when he came on.
STEVEN GERRARD (on for Lucas 60)- 6
Barring one long-range effort the skipper had an understated game, but he did produce a couple of trademark passes from his deep-lying midfield role.
EMRE CAN (on for Allen 60)- 6
Can didn’t really get into the game when he was introduced, but he did add dynamism to the midfield.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO (on for Ibe 60)- 6
The 22-year-old Brazilian was largely on the periphery of things, having replaced the superb Ibe.
KRIS PETERSON (on for Lambert 60)- 6
The youngster was quiet, but did nothing wrong.
Who was your star man against AC Milan? Let us know in the comments section below.
Liverpool defeated AC Milan in Charlotte on Saturday, as they prepared for Monday’s International Champions Cup final against Manchester United with a routine 2-0 victory. Henry Jackson assesses each Reds performer on the night.
SIMON MIGNOLET- 6 (out of 10)
The Belgian was relatively untroubled throughout, but when he was called upon he was solid. Made a fine save late on.
MARTIN KELLY- 5
The 24-year-old struggled again, and really does look like a player badly affected by injuries. He offered little going forward- his athleticism seems to have deserted him- and defensively he didn’t look particularly assured.
KOLO TOURE- 6
Toure has had a solid pre-season, and he did well against a weak Milan side. He made one fine last-ditch tackle in the frist-half.
SEBASTIAN COATES- 6
Coates continued his impressive form this summer with another decent display. He looked classy on the ball and played with a maturity and confidence throughout.
JACK ROBINSON- 5
The young left-back offered plenty of diligence going forward, but he lacks the quality to become anything close to a regular for the Reds. The 20-year-old almost gifted Milan a goal having lost the ball in the first-half, but luckily Joe Allen made a vital challenge to spare his blushes.
LUCAS LEIVA- 7
The 27-year-old produced arguably his best performance of pre-season so far, winning numerous tackles and offering the defence plenty of protection. His ball retention was better than it has been too.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 8
Henderson was excellent once again, showing just what an important player he has become for Liverpool. He drove forward with pace and power and showed good creativity on the ball in his 45 minutes on the pitch. He’s starting to show signs of Steven Gerrard at that age.
JOE ALLEN- 8
Allen played a key role in proceedings, and was more influential than he has been of late. He took his goal well, showcased his passing range and made one crucial tackle at the other end.
RAHEEM STERLING- 7
The 19-year-old looked very lively in his 45 minutes on show, winning the penalty that Rickie Lambert missed and generally posing a threat whenever he got the ball.
JORDON IBE- 8
Ibe was Liverpool’s star man, outlining just what huge potential he has. The 18-year-old is extremely strong physically, and Milan simply couldn’t handle him when he ran at them with the ball. He played a key role in the lead-up to the penalty, running almost the whole length of the pitch with the ball.
RICKIE LAMBERT- 5
The 32-year-old is struggling early on in a Reds shirt, perhaps understandably, and he almost looks to be trying too hard. His touch was heavy, he lacked movement and his penalty miss will do his confidence no good.
Substitutes
CONOR COADY (on for Henderson 46)- 6
The 21-year-old sat in the midfield, and didn’t look out of place in what was a mature performance.
SUSO (on for Sterling 46)- 7
The young Spaniard oozed quality on the ball, and his terrific finish sealed Liverpool’s victory late on.
GLEN JOHNSON (on for Kelly 60)- 6
The 29-year-old got forward well, but didn’t really have much of an impact on the game.
MARTIN SKRTEL (on for Toure 60)- 6
The Slovakian was largely unnoticed in his 30-minute cameo, but did nothing wrong.
MAMADOU SAKHO (on for Coates 60)- 7
The 24-year-old was dominant when he came on, and although some claim the opposite because of his slightly awkward style, he was impressive as ever in possession.
JOSE ENRIQUE (on for Robinson 60)- 6
The Spaniard was quiet when he came on.
STEVEN GERRARD (on for Lucas 60)- 6
Barring one long-range effort the skipper had an understated game, but he did produce a couple of trademark passes from his deep-lying midfield role.
EMRE CAN (on for Allen 60)- 6
Can didn’t really get into the game when he was introduced, but he did add dynamism to the midfield.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO (on for Ibe 60)- 6
The 22-year-old Brazilian was largely on the periphery of things, having replaced the superb Ibe.
KRIS PETERSON (on for Lambert 60)- 6
The youngster was quiet, but did nothing wrong.
Who was your star man against AC Milan? Let us know in the comments section below.
Liverpool's fine pre-season form continued with a 2-0 win over AC Milan in the International Champions Cup on Saturday in Charlotte.
Brendan Rodgers' side were without Daniel Sturridge for the game as the England striker has returned to the UK for treatment on a minor hamstring injury, although he is expected to be fit for Liverpool's final pre-season game against Borussia Dortmund next Sunday.
Joe Allen opened the scoring after 17 minutes after finishing a move he started when he robbed the Milan defence and tucked home the rebound from Raheem Sterling's saved shot, before Suso sealed the win late on with a low first-time effort from 20 yards.
Rodgers admitted after the game that his immediate target for next season is another top four finish.
"It's going to be very, very competitive. All the teams will have improved as will we, so the first aim is to qualify for the Champions League and then try to build from there. That's what we did last year.
"I think this year we have greater belief. I think we were a surprise for most people last season, but you can see the level of football we are playig. What opleased me tonight was the level of maturity, even with the young players playing. There is a belief we can win games and even in pre-season, creating that mentality is very important."
Liverpool now face Manchester United in the final of the tournament in Miami on Monday night as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Southampton on August 17.
The Reds lost to Roma in the opening game of their US tour before beating Olympiakos and Manchester City.
Liverpool's fine pre-season form continued with a 2-0 win over AC Milan in the International Champions Cup on Saturday in Charlotte.
Brendan Rodgers' side were without Daniel Sturridge for the game as the England striker has returned to the UK for treatment on a minor hamstring injury, although he is expected to be fit for Liverpool's final pre-season game against Borussia Dortmund next Sunday.
Joe Allen opened the scoring after 17 minutes after finishing a move he started when he robbed the Milan defence and tucked home the rebound from Raheem Sterling's saved shot, before Suso sealed the win late on with a low first-time effort from 20 yards.
Rodgers admitted after the game that his immediate target for next season is another top four finish.
"It's going to be very, very competitive. All the teams will have improved as will we, so the first aim is to qualify for the Champions League and then try to build from there. That's what we did last year.
"I think this year we have greater belief. I think we were a surprise for most people last season, but you can see the level of football we are playig. What opleased me tonight was the level of maturity, even with the young players playing. There is a belief we can win games and even in pre-season, creating that mentality is very important."
Liverpool now face Manchester United in the final of the tournament in Miami on Monday night as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Southampton on August 17.
The Reds lost to Roma in the opening game of their US tour before beating Olympiakos and Manchester City.
Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has returned to England due to a hamstring injury which ruled him out of The Reds’ 2-0 win over AC Milan on Saturday night.
The England forward has flown back from the USA along with Adam Lallana and Jon Flanagan who both also have picked up injuries on the tour. Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini flew back to Merseyside last week.
Rodgers confirmed the news after the win over Milan in Charlotte, saying that Sturridge will be available for the club’s final friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield next Sunday.
“He wasn’t going to be ready for the game on Monday but there is no concern there” Rodgers explained. “He will be ready for the game against Borussia Dortmund next weekend.
“It was just best to get him back to the training ground so he can get some treatment there. He has a really, really slight feeling in his hamstring. Nothing major.”
In Sturridge’s absence, Rodgers only had Rickie Lambert and youngster Kristoffer Peterson as his forward options against Milan. Lambert played the first hour, having a penalty saved on the half-hour mark – missing the opportunity to score his first goal for the club since his move from Southampton.
With full-backs Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno reportedly set to sign for Liverpool this week, Rodgers will then spend the rest of the transfer window looking to sign at least one forward to strengthen what is an area that clearly lacks depth.
Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has returned to England due to a hamstring injury which ruled him out of The Reds’ 2-0 win over AC Milan on Saturday night.
The England forward has flown back from the USA along with Adam Lallana and Jon Flanagan who both also have picked up injuries on the tour. Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini flew back to Merseyside last week.
Rodgers confirmed the news after the win over Milan in Charlotte, saying that Sturridge will be available for the club’s final friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield next Sunday.
“He wasn’t going to be ready for the game on Monday but there is no concern there” Rodgers explained. “He will be ready for the game against Borussia Dortmund next weekend.
“It was just best to get him back to the training ground so he can get some treatment there. He has a really, really slight feeling in his hamstring. Nothing major.”
In Sturridge’s absence, Rodgers only had Rickie Lambert and youngster Kristoffer Peterson as his forward options against Milan. Lambert played the first hour, having a penalty saved on the half-hour mark – missing the opportunity to score his first goal for the club since his move from Southampton.
With full-backs Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno reportedly set to sign for Liverpool this week, Rodgers will then spend the rest of the transfer window looking to sign at least one forward to strengthen what is an area that clearly lacks depth.
Liverpool beat AC Milan 2-0 in Charlotte on Saturday night courtesy of goals from Joe Allen and Suso.
Over 69,000 supporters packed the Bank of America Stadium, with Brendan Rodgers‘ side having already been secured a place in the ‘Guinness International Champions Cup’ – against none other than Manchester United.
With that game taking place less than 48 hours after this, Rodgers made plenty of subs in the second half.
Watch the goals and highlights below, read a full match report here.
1-0: Allen (17′)
Rickie Lambert Penalty Miss (27′)
Joe Allen Gets Stuck In
2-0: Suso (90′)
Simon Mignolet Save (90′)
Liverpool beat AC Milan 2-0 in Charlotte on Saturday night courtesy of goals from Joe Allen and Suso.
Over 69,000 supporters packed the Bank of America Stadium, with Brendan Rodgers‘ side having already been secured a place in the ‘Guinness International Champions Cup’ – against none other than Manchester United.
With that game taking place less than 48 hours after this, Rodgers made plenty of subs in the second half.
Watch the goals and highlights below, read a full match report here.
1-0: Allen (17′)
Rickie Lambert Penalty Miss (27′)
Joe Allen Gets Stuck In
2-0: Suso (90′)
Simon Mignolet Save (90′)
Liverpool defeated AC Milan thanks to goals from Joe Allen and Suso, as Brendan Rodgers‘ side warmed up for Monday’s International Champions Cup final against Manchester United with a solid performance. Rickie Lambert did miss a penalty, however.
Liverpool 2-0 AC Milan
Friendly / Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte / Saturday, 2nd August 2014
Goals: Allen (16), Suso (89)
Liverpool went into the game against the Italian giants knowing they had already qualified for Monday’s International Champions Cup final, by virtue of Manchester City’s penalty shootout defeat to Olympiakos. They will face bitter rivals Manchester United in the showcase event in Miami.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers made five changes to the side that defeated City on spot-kicks earlier in the week, with Simon Mignolet, Jack Robinson, Lucas Leiva, Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe replacing Brad Jones, Jose Enrique, Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge, Jon Flanagan and Lazar Markovic all missed out on a place in the squad through injury.
An uneventful opening 15 minutes saw Liverpool enjoy the better of possession, without really doing anything of note with it. The passing from both sides was sloppy, and the pace of the game was extremely slow.
The match sprung into life in the 17th-minute, however. A mistake in the middle of the park by former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien saw Joe Allen race through on goal, and although his effort hit the post and Sterling couldn’t convert the rebound, the ball eventually found its way back to the Welshman and he fired the Reds in front.
Rodgers’ men grew more and more in stature from that point on, and their lead should have been doubled just before the half-hour mark. Sterling won a penalty having been fouled by Adil Rami, but from the resulting spot-kick Rickie Lambert saw his effort saved by Christian Abbiati. The 32-year-old’s search for his first Liverpool goal agonisingly continues.
Liverpool’s two young wingers both looked superb throughout the first-half, playing with a fearlessness and maturity beyond their years. Ibe, in particular, was terrific, and it was his wonderful initial run that led to Sterling winning the penalty.
It took 38 minutes for Mignolet to make a save, with M’Baye Niang’s tame effort comfortably stopped by the 26-year-old.
The half-time whistle blew with Liverpool a goal up, but their overall superiority, coupled with Lambert’s penalty miss, meant they weren’t entirely happy with that scoreline.
Rodgers introduced Conor Coady and Suso at the interval, with two of Liverpool standout players, Sterling and Jordan Henderson, given a rest ahead of the clash with United.
Filippo Inzaghi’s side improved at the start of the second-half, with reported Reds target Mario Balotelli oozing quality having come on at half-time.
The flow of the game was somewhat scuppered by eight Liverpool changes on the hour mark though, with Gerrard, Emre Can and Coutinho coming on, among numerous others.
A lack of chances and intensity saw the game in danger of drifting away with twenty minutes remaining, with Liverpool in total control.
Gerrard’s long-range effort drifted wide, while at the other end Niang and Sulley Muntari both went close, as the match improved in its final stages.
It was Suso who put the icing on the cake, curling home a terrific effort from the edge of the box in the dying minutes.
It was a good night’s work from Rodgers and his side, and they now look forward to Monday’s clash with their most bitter rivals.
Man of the Match: Jordon Ibe
Tactical Overview
Rodgers adopted his favoured 4-3-3 formation, with Sterling and Ibe out wide and Lucas anchoring the midfield in place of Gerrard.
With Sterling replaced by Suso at the break, Ibe switched to the left-hand side, with the young Spaniard drifting inside from the right.
Lambert continued to struggle, however, and lacked the pace and fluency of the injured Sturridge in the lone strikers role.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Kelly (Johnson), Toure (Skrtel 60), Coates (Sakho 60), Robinson (Enrique 60), Lucas (Gerrard 60), Henderson (Coady 46), Allen (Can 60), Lambert (Peterson 60), Ibe (Coutinho 60), Sterling (Suso 46).
Subs not used: Jones.
AC Milan starting XI:Abbiati, Abate, Bonera, Rami, De Sciglio, Essien, Muntari, Saponara, Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy.
Liverpool defeated AC Milan thanks to goals from Joe Allen and Suso, as Brendan Rodgers‘ side warmed up for Monday’s International Champions Cup final against Manchester United with a solid performance. Rickie Lambert did miss a penalty, however.
Liverpool 2-0 AC Milan
Friendly / Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte / Saturday, 2nd August 2014
Goals: Allen (16), Suso (89)
Liverpool went into the game against the Italian giants knowing they had already qualified for Monday’s International Champions Cup final, by virtue of Manchester City’s penalty shootout defeat to Olympiakos. They will face bitter rivals Manchester United in the showcase event in Miami.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers made five changes to the side that defeated City on spot-kicks earlier in the week, with Simon Mignolet, Jack Robinson, Lucas Leiva, Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe replacing Brad Jones, Jose Enrique, Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge, Jon Flanagan and Lazar Markovic all missed out on a place in the squad through injury.
An uneventful opening 15 minutes saw Liverpool enjoy the better of possession, without really doing anything of note with it. The passing from both sides was sloppy, and the pace of the game was extremely slow.
The match sprung into life in the 17th-minute, however. A mistake in the middle of the park by former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien saw Joe Allen race through on goal, and although his effort hit the post and Sterling couldn’t convert the rebound, the ball eventually found its way back to the Welshman and he fired the Reds in front.
Rodgers’ men grew more and more in stature from that point on, and their lead should have been doubled just before the half-hour mark. Sterling won a penalty having been fouled by Adil Rami, but from the resulting spot-kick Rickie Lambert saw his effort saved by Christian Abbiati. The 32-year-old’s search for his first Liverpool goal agonisingly continues.
Liverpool’s two young wingers both looked superb throughout the first-half, playing with a fearlessness and maturity beyond their years. Ibe, in particular, was terrific, and it was his wonderful initial run that led to Sterling winning the penalty.
It took 38 minutes for Mignolet to make a save, with M’Baye Niang’s tame effort comfortably stopped by the 26-year-old.
The half-time whistle blew with Liverpool a goal up, but their overall superiority, coupled with Lambert’s penalty miss, meant they weren’t entirely happy with that scoreline.
Rodgers introduced Conor Coady and Suso at the interval, with two of Liverpool standout players, Sterling and Jordan Henderson, given a rest ahead of the clash with United.
Filippo Inzaghi’s side improved at the start of the second-half, with reported Reds target Mario Balotelli oozing quality having come on at half-time.
The flow of the game was somewhat scuppered by eight Liverpool changes on the hour mark though, with Gerrard, Emre Can and Coutinho coming on, among numerous others.
A lack of chances and intensity saw the game in danger of drifting away with twenty minutes remaining, with Liverpool in total control.
Gerrard’s long-range effort drifted wide, while at the other end Niang and Sulley Muntari both went close, as the match improved in its final stages.
It was Suso who put the icing on the cake, curling home a terrific effort from the edge of the box in the dying minutes.
It was a good night’s work from Rodgers and his side, and they now look forward to Monday’s clash with their most bitter rivals.
Man of the Match: Jordon Ibe
Tactical Overview
Rodgers adopted his favoured 4-3-3 formation, with Sterling and Ibe out wide and Lucas anchoring the midfield in place of Gerrard.
With Sterling replaced by Suso at the break, Ibe switched to the left-hand side, with the young Spaniard drifting inside from the right.
Lambert continued to struggle, however, and lacked the pace and fluency of the injured Sturridge in the lone strikers role.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Kelly (Johnson), Toure (Skrtel 60), Coates (Sakho 60), Robinson (Enrique 60), Lucas (Gerrard 60), Henderson (Coady 46), Allen (Can 60), Lambert (Peterson 60), Ibe (Coutinho 60), Sterling (Suso 46).
Subs not used: Jones.
AC Milan starting XI:Abbiati, Abate, Bonera, Rami, De Sciglio, Essien, Muntari, Saponara, Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy.
Spanish right-back Javier Manquillo will fly to Merseyside on Monday to undergo a medical ahead of his move to Liverpool, according to reports on Saturday.
The Liverpool Echo and The Mirror report the development shortly before Liverpool’s friendly match with AC Milan in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday evening.
Both reports say that the deal will be an initial two-year loan deal, with the option to make permanent for a fee of around £5 million and add-ons that have yet to be finalised.
The Echo write that “Under the terms of the deal, the eventual fee will be determined by the number of appearances Manquillo makes.”
Both reports also state that left-back Alberto Moreno is finally close to signing too.
Brendan Rodgers will then look to complete his summer signings with a forward.
Spanish right-back Javier Manquillo will fly to Merseyside on Monday to undergo a medical ahead of his move to Liverpool, according to reports on Saturday.
The Liverpool Echo and The Mirror report the development shortly before Liverpool’s friendly match with AC Milan in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday evening.
Both reports say that the deal will be an initial two-year loan deal, with the option to make permanent for a fee of around £5 million and add-ons that have yet to be finalised.
The Echo write that “Under the terms of the deal, the eventual fee will be determined by the number of appearances Manquillo makes.”
Both reports also state that left-back Alberto Moreno is finally close to signing too.
Brendan Rodgers will then look to complete his summer signings with a forward.
Liverpool will play in the Guinness International Champions Cup Final on Monday in Miami, having won their group following Man City’s penalty shootout defeat to Olympiacos.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side play AC Milan on Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina (11.40pm BST) – meaning they will have less than 48 hours between games.
Their opponents in Miami will likely to be Man United, who lead Real Madrid in their match.
The final will be played at The Sun Life Stadium in Miami, which has a capacity of 80,000. Kick off will be 8pm EST (1am UK Tuesday).
LFC team to start vs Milan: Mignolet, Kelly, Toure, Coates, Robinson, Lucas, Henderson, Allen, Lambert, Ibe, Sterling.
Liverpool will play in the Guinness International Champions Cup Final on Monday in Miami, having won their group following Man City’s penalty shootout defeat to Olympiacos.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side play AC Milan on Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina (11.40pm BST) – meaning they will have less than 48 hours between games.
Their opponents in Miami will likely to be Man United, who lead Real Madrid in their match.
The final will be played at The Sun Life Stadium in Miami, which has a capacity of 80,000. Kick off will be 8pm EST (1am UK Tuesday).
LFC team to start vs Milan: Mignolet, Kelly, Toure, Coates, Robinson, Lucas, Henderson, Allen, Lambert, Ibe, Sterling.
Liverpool have turned down a bid from Turkish side Trabzonspor for defender Kolo Toure, according to Sky Sports.
The 33-year-old centre-back was linked with Trabzonspor last month and Sky Sports say they placed a bid for the Ivorian.
However, Brendan Rodgers says Toure will be remaining at Anfield this summer, having arrived from Man City on a free transfer last year.
“Kolo has been an incredible player. We brought him in because he is a winner, an authentic winner,” said Rodgers ahead of Liverpool’s friendly against AC Milan on Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“He’s someone who doesn’t play every single week but when he does play, he plays very well. Every day of his life in training, he gives his all.
“Players like Kolo and Steven Gerrard, the older statesmen of the team, have been absolutely first class.”
Toure is one of the few players in the Reds squad with Champions League experience and having won Premier League titles with both City and Arsenal. Such experience, particularly off the pitch, will be invaluable to Liverpool’s youthful squad this campaign.
Liverpool have turned down a bid from Turkish side Trabzonspor for defender Kolo Toure, according to Sky Sports.
The 33-year-old centre-back was linked with Trabzonspor last month and Sky Sports say they placed a bid for the Ivorian.
However, Brendan Rodgers says Toure will be remaining at Anfield this summer, having arrived from Man City on a free transfer last year.
“Kolo has been an incredible player. We brought him in because he is a winner, an authentic winner,” said Rodgers ahead of Liverpool’s friendly against AC Milan on Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“He’s someone who doesn’t play every single week but when he does play, he plays very well. Every day of his life in training, he gives his all.
“Players like Kolo and Steven Gerrard, the older statesmen of the team, have been absolutely first class.”
Toure is one of the few players in the Reds squad with Champions League experience and having won Premier League titles with both City and Arsenal. Such experience, particularly off the pitch, will be invaluable to Liverpool’s youthful squad this campaign.
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