Raheem Sterling believes Liverpool’s players will be burdened by pressure in their title battle with Manchester City.
Sterling left Liverpool for City in the summer of 2015, after the took part in the club’s previous near miss in the title race, as they finished second to City under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers in the 2013/14 season.
Now Sterling has opened up about his experience in that title race, as he suggested the desperation of the Liverpool fans to see their side win the title for the first time since 1990 adds to the challenge for the Anfield club.
“When I was there I did feel a lot more pressure than when I’m here, with matchdays and the fans,” Sterling told Sky Sports. “I think that they got to us a little bit. We were in control and we had the opportunity to see it through, but we didn’t do that.
Interesting comments from Raheem Sterling on the pressure he felt as a Liverpool player in the 2013/14 title race. It may be a factor again this season https://t.co/ruFmkNDgYL #LFC #MCFC pic.twitter.com/E0avyKUUOh— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) March 1, 2019
“Here we’re completely focused on each game and trying to win each game as it comes. It’s a completely different scenario from last year – last year we were a bit more comfortable towards this point of the season.
Raheem Sterling’s winning penalty was just 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/qQuFBcmu6K— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) February 24, 2019
“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.”
Sterling insists City are not concerned about Liverpool’s efforts heading into the final ten games of the season, as they sit just one point behind their title rivals.
“They’ve been playing some good football at times, but we’re confident in ourselves and we’ve got the belief,” he added.
“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.”