Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling currently is in the midst of best form of his fledgling LFC career, and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has showered him with (exaggerated) praise, suggesting that he could be in with a chance of making England's World Cup squad.
In his pre-Stoke City press conference, Rodgers described Sterling as 'outstanding', 'brilliant', and 'excellent' (!); hailed Sterling's 'quality and focus'; praised his increased defensive solidity, and even managed to indrectly compare him to Pele (!) Rodgers raved:
"He [Sterling] has been outstanding. He's been brilliant, and played really well in some big games.
"He's one of the strongest players I've ever seen. Pound for pound he's as strong as anyone"
Sterling's strength on the ball is definitely one of the major improvements over last season, and his body strength allows him to effectively hassle players off the ball, a feature of the high-intensity pressing game favoured by Rodgers. But one of the 'strongest' players Rodgers has ever seen? That seems unlikely (!)
With Theo Walcott injured, Sterling could be in with a chance of making the England World Cup squad, and when asked if the competition would 'come to soon for him', Rodgers noted:
"It's wasn't too soon for Michael Owen, or Pele in Sweden. I'm sure the England staff are looking at that because he's one of the outstanding talents in the under 21 team"
Sterling is indeed playing well, but the last thing he needs is this kind of servile, gushing praise to inflate his ego. When discussing LFC's young players on the 5-Times Podcast in November, Anfield legend John Barnes bemoaned the modern trend of overpraising players 'when they haven't achieved anything'. He observed:
"He [Sterling] wasn’t handled right by anyone. He had 7-8 good games and was then catapulted into the England set-up. Maybe he feels that because he’s in the England squad and being paid so much he doesn’t need to improve. We’re guilty for overpraising him"
I absolutely agree with Barnesy here, and it ties into an issue I'm constantly raising on the site. Gross overpraise of players is (arguably) a negative, and leads to dulled competitive edge, and in many cases, a lack of proper focus. Rodgers is as guilty of this as anyone, especially last season, when his constant fawning praise of his players bordered on sickening. To be fair, he's toned it down this season, but it's a perennial problem for Liverpool.
Sterling - reportedly the subject of a £7.5m bid from Spurs last season - is a prime example of the detrimental effect of exaggerated praise, though to his credit, he's knuckled down over the last couple of months, and is not playing consistently well.
For how long, though? Will this latest bout of ego-massage affect Sterling's focus once again...?
Author: Jaimie K
In his pre-Stoke City press conference, Rodgers described Sterling as 'outstanding', 'brilliant', and 'excellent' (!); hailed Sterling's 'quality and focus'; praised his increased defensive solidity, and even managed to indrectly compare him to Pele (!) Rodgers raved:
"He [Sterling] has been outstanding. He's been brilliant, and played really well in some big games.
"He's one of the strongest players I've ever seen. Pound for pound he's as strong as anyone"
Sterling's strength on the ball is definitely one of the major improvements over last season, and his body strength allows him to effectively hassle players off the ball, a feature of the high-intensity pressing game favoured by Rodgers. But one of the 'strongest' players Rodgers has ever seen? That seems unlikely (!)
With Theo Walcott injured, Sterling could be in with a chance of making the England World Cup squad, and when asked if the competition would 'come to soon for him', Rodgers noted:
"It's wasn't too soon for Michael Owen, or Pele in Sweden. I'm sure the England staff are looking at that because he's one of the outstanding talents in the under 21 team"
Sterling is indeed playing well, but the last thing he needs is this kind of servile, gushing praise to inflate his ego. When discussing LFC's young players on the 5-Times Podcast in November, Anfield legend John Barnes bemoaned the modern trend of overpraising players 'when they haven't achieved anything'. He observed:
"He [Sterling] wasn’t handled right by anyone. He had 7-8 good games and was then catapulted into the England set-up. Maybe he feels that because he’s in the England squad and being paid so much he doesn’t need to improve. We’re guilty for overpraising him"
I absolutely agree with Barnesy here, and it ties into an issue I'm constantly raising on the site. Gross overpraise of players is (arguably) a negative, and leads to dulled competitive edge, and in many cases, a lack of proper focus. Rodgers is as guilty of this as anyone, especially last season, when his constant fawning praise of his players bordered on sickening. To be fair, he's toned it down this season, but it's a perennial problem for Liverpool.
Sterling - reportedly the subject of a £7.5m bid from Spurs last season - is a prime example of the detrimental effect of exaggerated praise, though to his credit, he's knuckled down over the last couple of months, and is not playing consistently well.
For how long, though? Will this latest bout of ego-massage affect Sterling's focus once again...?
Author: Jaimie K
JK you could never be a motivational speaker!!!
ReplyDeleteSuarez aside, Sterling has been one of our best players of late and if he continues with his form then he fully deserves to go to the World Cup..
ReplyDeleteAnd I have hardly seen him fall over in challenges so I would agree that for his size he is quite strong. He also does not shy away in challenges either, is also a very good tackler with a 80% success rate and also has a very good engine too. He works his socks off.
The kid is doing well but can it last????
ReplyDeleteHe is actually looking more of a wing-back these days, very good at defending too.
ReplyDeleteSterling has no control over what he's being paid (agent/club) or whether he plays for England. Barnes was out of order. Talking about what Sterling 'thinks'. He just bitter. Very easy to critisise what you see but much more difficult to offer advice as to what should happen. Money talks in football - if Sterling - an England player - was not offered more than the pittance he was previously on (compared to other players) what message does he receive from the club? It's not 'We're doing this for you, son'. Furthermore, Rodgers said he was strong 'pound for pound' and given how slight he is it's a reasonable statement (as well as a statement that Sterling has no control over). This rant has nothing to do with my £10 stake on Sterling being nominated for ballon d'or during his career....
ReplyDeleteIt's part of the manager's job to understand personality types. Some respond well to consistent, constructive criticism, but others respond better to praise. Whether criticism or praise, it should always be honest and not over-exaggerated and the balance between praise and criticism needs to be adjusted across a wide spectrum, to suit each individual player.
ReplyDeleteOne aspect of Benitez that I didn't like, was his inability to praise players at all; at least that's how it seemed. He was studious, so that after each performance would come analysis, followed by, you could have done this or that better, even after a significant victory.
I'm sure that this is a rare aspect of Benitez that you would approve of Jaimie, but some players need positive encouragement and on the whole, I don't think BR goes over the top. Players like Suárez will give their all, no matter how much praise you give them, because they love playing football so much and his extra training/practice proves that he wants to improve all the time.
He's also proven to be able to accept constructive criticism and change accordingly, but not all players have Suárez' strength of mind and will.
So Jaimie, a little praise at the right time is a very good thing, particularly for certain players.
Rodgers talks a load bull crap
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Benitez is that he chains his players to a pole.
ReplyDeleteEven Craig Bellamy wrote in his book about how cold Rafa's personality was.
Probably only because you do not like him. Shock horror...
ReplyDeleteSterling has always been the same player Brendon did dent his confidence (own goal) I said I woudnt mention it but when a 16 year old boy gets on the bench before Texiera a 21 year old top class player it really is beyond reason, then an untried boy (out of his depth) gets a game ahead of Sissoko an underrated full back who has hardly had a chance to adjust, I think Aggar was available too. Brendon play fair do the right thing, you are doing well otherwise.
ReplyDeletePound for pound Jaimie. He added the caveat for a reason.
ReplyDeleteIts a fair shout about the over praise. I listened to that podcast and mainly agreed with what Barnes said. Players believe they are brilliant when they shouldn't. Rodgers is terrible at this but I don't don't his man management part of his work so the criticism may be a bit churlish. In fairness to just assume that the reason his form dropped was due to praise is showing a slightly narrow view. It cold be argued about his personal life but I suppose that is chicken and egg too.
Hi Jaime long time since I've posted but still been a regular follower. I just want to make a point about your constant criticism of BRs apparent overpraising of players. Managers are media trained and the snippets they give via the press may be in complete contrast to what is said within the dressing room. I don't think for one second that BR doesn't criticise his players when necessary - he even said in the same conference today that he has been hard on Raheem the past months - but we aren't privy to those conversations. I for one think BRs handling of the kids is exceptional and second only to Wenger. Raheem threatened to come off the railings last year and become another Ravel Morrison, Zaha, instead BR has made him knuckle down and rediscover his form and actually looks to be improving tactically. I just want you to lay off the boss a piece and appreciate the fine work he is doing with our team on a limited budget and reasonably short space of time. I've had so many false dawns over the years as a supporter it's a joke, but without cursing our form I truly believe BR is laying the foundations to revive our ambitions not just for one season but for a good time to come.
ReplyDeleteI think Rodgers knows how to motivate his players more than some opinionated bloggers
ReplyDeleteI actually think that Benitez is one of the top 10 managers in the football world and we were lucky to have him, but he wasn't above criticism himself. On the whole I believe that he was a poor man manager, yet still top 10, because he was so good in other important areas.
ReplyDeleteI don't think BR has done enough to be considered at the same level, but overall BR has mightily impressed me. He was unproven with such a high profile, high pressure job and has grown into the role very well. He will be better than Benitez because he has the same studious approach, but adds more obvious passion and far better man management.
:-)
ReplyDeleteYou cannot compare Benitez and Rodgers especially when Rafa has been a manager for much longer. Rodgers just seems to be more in tune with the Liverpool way. There is no longer such a massive divide between fans since Rafa left. Good times are returning to LFC and long may that continue.
ReplyDeleteidk he is small framed and young and did great when thrown into epl matches. not even lennon, young, walcott, got that big run of games at 18. only ox is the other english player that did ok at gunners at 18.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly caught my eye at right back, quick, strong and looked comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThis very one sided and not very contextual at all - if you actually watch the press conference Rodgers actually said he had given him 'plenty of stick' since he came to the club, which balanced out his praise very well as it was praise well deserved on recent form, and the reference to Owen and Pele was purely about his age when asked by a reporter if the world cup can come too soon for some players which was an obvious reference to him being so young and inexperienced. Rodgers didn't even mention England until he was asked that question, a question that came from a reporter in the context of Walcott being injured and the suggestion it might provide some extra motivation for Sterling, and Rodgers said that all Raheem should and would be concentrating on is his Liverpool career because right now he is in a good moment. I don't understand why you always take such a negative approach with so many of your posts JK - how about a little more balance and intelligent reading between the lines before you post these?
ReplyDeleteActually, in real life, I *am* a motivational speaker! (Well, that's my cats tell me anyway)
ReplyDeleteI think if you'd like to understand Rafa, read the Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. =)
ReplyDeleteAll players need confidence to perform to their max. Rodgers gives players praise (over praise - so what) to make them feel 10 ft tall so that they can go on the pitch without fear. Shankley did the same and other great managers do.
ReplyDeleteRodgers should continue to make his players feel like they are capable of beating anyone, its why we are 4th in the league. Being realistic you can't blame Rodgers on this one fella.
Quote from Xabi Alonso on his decision to stay at Real an play for Ancelotti:
ReplyDelete"His public support for me was also important in my decision to stay."
Contrast that with Rafa's treatment of him and his very public courtship of Barry which drove Xabi away.
Way to go Rafa. A bit more praise an support an he would have still been an LFC player.
Those of you who said he was past it/too slow/too injury prone/not good enough, get your bibs on for more humble pie over the next 2 or 3 years.
Praise where praise is due. Cloughie was a master of knowing when and how much- Brendan, take note....
It has been shown that overpraise is not necessarily fully believed by the person it is applied to but nonetheless it works to motivate them..
ReplyDeleteMan love rules. OK?
Shanks used to tell his players the opposition weren't anywhere near our level, we were told the players felt ten feet tall as they strode out onto the pitch.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Call me crazy, but there might even be an argument for trying him at RWB/RB. His height is a bit of a problem, but he has the pace, and a decent tackle - but that could be one way to keep him on the pitch when Sturridge returns.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
ReplyDeleteYep he'd invite journalist to "walk around" Ron Yeats etc
ReplyDeleteDon't agree that Rodgers praise is "servile " or " gushing " at all, I think sterling has been excellent at times & overall for such a young player is showing fantastic potential
ReplyDeletepound for pound yes agree
ReplyDeletesuarez
ReplyDeletesterling sturridge
coutinho
hendo allen/lucas
my dream team
if we play 352
ReplyDeletesuarez sturridge
coutinho
henderson/gerrard lucas
johnson sakho skrtel toure sterling
mignolet
Should we try to get AVB
ReplyDeletei think liverpool are perfect for him
he could take us to the next level
br is doing well now though
Lol
ReplyDeleteAs do you.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha!!! You are doing a mighty good job my friend!!
ReplyDeleteI agree. If the next level is mid-table!
ReplyDeleteMethinks Baldricks cunning plan to fool Stoke into defending Sterling more so Suarez has more space.
ReplyDeleteCissohko came back the next game and had one of his better performances, what better way to tell him to "pull his socks up or pack his bags".
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteYou forget to mention the pound for pound bit.. You don't like Brendan do you? Lol
ReplyDeleteYou are Joking.
ReplyDelete...Aren't you??
And after how Rodgers handled Suarez, maybe we should put a little faith in his man management skills!!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for that point! Maybe we should trust Brendan to actually know what he is doing! Shock horror!!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your reply mr kanwar?
ReplyDeleteCall an ambulance!!!
ReplyDeleteyeah, you should come back kid.
ReplyDeleteIt's all real life, baby.
ReplyDeleteI think the praise and the mention of the world cup is a ploy on Rodgers part to keep Sterlings motivation high. Sterling tends to let his form fade and before the Oldham game I thought his form was starting to fall off.
ReplyDeleteTo give the lad his due he does look a lot stronger this year, so maybe he deserves praise for working on that aspect of his game.
I dont think the up and downs of last year will hurt him as the pain of not getting on the pitch will hopefully motivate him to become a more consistent player.
Yes I did laugh when I read that story. Sterling is a tiny boy, a lightweight who is still easily pushed off the ball. Pound-for-pound? Maybe. It's possible that Sterling could harass some other 9-stone kid off the ball...
ReplyDeleteI agree with the overpraise issue too. But I think last season's decline was due to being overplayed rather than overpraised. Rodgers says that he is more focussed now, and he hasn't appeared in the papers for a few months now and so maybe he has grown up a bit.
This just appears to be Rodgers man management style, building up a players confidence. A professional footballer will know when they are not performing
ReplyDeleteup to standard and doesn't need the manager openly criticizing them, alls they usually have to do is open newspaper to find some criticism.
What does John Barnes know about management.
ReplyDeleteJK,
ReplyDeleteI agree that over praising is ridiculous. In America, one home run in a big game and a new player is the next hall of fame player. It's a balancing act to praise when warranted and accurately admit less than great performance when it's true. Sterling got a big head last year and he has since paid the price. Hopefully the message is not forgotten. It would be s shame if he did.......