Liverpool failed to win the Premier League in 2014 because of pressure from the fans according to the club’s former winger Raheem Sterling. In one of the most exciting Premier League title run-ins ever, Liverpool managed to overtake both Chelsea and Manchester City before falling at or close to the final hurdle. Sterling was part of the squad that came so close to delivering a first title to Anfield since 1990, and admits the “pressure” did “get to us a little bit”.
He feels Manchester City, even last season, were much better equipped to claiming the crown. “When I was there I did feel a lot more pressure than when I’m here, with matchdays and the fans,” he told Sky Sports. “I think that they get to us a little bit. We were in control and we had the opportunity to see it through but we didn’t do that. “Here we’re completely focused on each game and trying to win each game as it comes. It’s a complete different scenario from last year – last year we were a bit more comfortable towards this point of the season.
“They’ve been playing some good football at times but we’re confident in ourselves and we’ve got the belief. “This year it’s a complete turnaround and we’re the ones who are chasing. It’s really close at the moment but I have full belief in the squad. “We’re confident in ourselves and we’ve got the belief and the attitude and the work-rate that we need. We’re completely focused on the job and not who we’re up against but who we’ve got next – that’s all that matters.”
In another news, City have agreed the second biggest kit deal in Premier League history — only behind neighbours Manchester United — after announcing a new long-term deal with Puma covering the Premier League champions and four of its sister clubs. Although the details of the deal have been kept secret, sources have told ESPN FC that they have agreed a 10-year deal worth around £65 million a year. That is a significant hike on the current £20m deal with Nike that finishes at the end of the season.
The agreement covers City along with A-League side Melbourne City, La Liga club Girona, Atletico Torque in Uruguay and the newly bought Chinese team Sichuan Jiuniu. New York City, who are also part of the City Football Group (CFG), are bound by the MLS-wide sponsorship with Adidas. CFG CEO Ferran Soriano believes the deal shows that City are now competing with the biggest clubs in Europe for sponsorship deals. “It is a historic day for us, what we are doing has never been done before,” he said. “It is an unprecedented partnership. We needed a partner that can go fast with us. “This is who we are now, this is the product we can offer.”