Sterling: We can push for top four next season
Hoping to impress again next season
Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling believes his club can challenge for the top four in the next season. The 18-year-old insists that a few more signings like Sturridge and Coutinho will help the club get back to the Champions League soon.
“We can definitely be in the top four,” Sterling said.
“We finished the season strongly, so hopefully we can start the new one that way and push for a good position.
“The two signings we brought into the club in January – Coutinho and Sturridge – really kicked the team on,” added Sterling.
“I am really looking forward to getting a chance to play with them and have a good season for the team. I really feel we have a strong chance to be in the top four.”
The former QPR youth player is optimistic that the side can kick on and do better in Brendan Rodger’s second season in charge at Anfield.
“You have to remember this was the manager’s first season in charge.
“But you can see the difference he has made, even though we haven’t finished in the top four.
“You can see the kind of thing he will do next season.”
After making his debut last season under then manager Kenny Dalglish, Sterling was forced into the starting XI regularly this season after Liverpool missed out on Gylfi Sigurðsson and Clint Dempsey at the start of the campaign. But it proved to be a blessing in disguise as Sterling repaid his manager’s faith with some terrific performances. The winger played 19 league games for Liverpool and scoring 2 goals, before suffering a thigh injury in April, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Sterling also won his first international cap for England in their 4-2 win against Sweden. And he hopes to impress England boss Roy Hodgson next season and be a part of his plans for the upcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“Anyone’s dream is to go to a World Cup,” said Sterling.
“I have to be realistic and take it step by step, game by game next season.
“I have to try and be a regular for Liverpool first and then hopefully get a chance to get a place in the squad for the World Cup.”
On his thigh injury, Sterling added: “Hopefully next season I can have the same impact again.
“The injury is getting better. I should be back for pre-season.”
Source: BBCSport