Ronnie Whelan: Raheem Sterling’s behaviour undermining Brendan Rodgers’ position at Liverpool

Ronnie Whelan found himself deep in west Cork yesterday ready to debate the futures of Raheem Sterling and Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. Topics that seemed pressing until word filtered through of Bill O’Herlihy’s sudden and untimely passing.

“Bill was just a great man and was always there for me whenever I needed him,” commented Whelan. “I was looking around for a bit of support when I first joined the RTÉ panel that included John Giles, Eamonn Dunphy and Liam Brady, especially when you are new to the role and not sure what to say.

“Bill would always say ‘just muck in Ronnie and say what you like’ Get in amongst them and don’t be a bit afraid to express your opinion.

“He was a very approachable person and would come in to the studio, shake everyone’s hand and ask how you were getting on. It is just hugely sad news for everybody to hear of his unexpected passing. I will miss him.” Whelan (53) was in Drinagh to officially launch West Cork League club Drinagh Rangers’ summer charity fundraiser against a Liverpool Legends XI on July 25. He has watched in disappointment as Liverpool’s quest for a Champions League place disintegrated in the last two months. Negative headlines surrounding Sterling and his agent’s alleged comments have done little to lift the mood at Anfield.

“Sterling and his agent’s behaviour in recent weeks have only served to undermine Brendan Rodgers’ position,” said Whelan. “You can be certain that other players inside the dressing room are looking at what’s happening to him (Sterling) and taking note.

“I don’t know if as much would have been made of those comments had things been going well at Liverpool. Unfortunately, being on such a poor run of form and conceding nine goals in their last two games means people are beginning to take a much closer look at what’s happening with Brendan and within the club itself.

“I watched Sterling closely in the previous game against Crystal Palace and he didn’t look like his head was right and was unable to contribute. I think that’s why Brendan didn’t play him at the weekend.” Little doubt that it is going to be a crucial summer for Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market as he attempts to resurrect Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Whelan agrees the manager is under even more intense scrutiny to ensure his next batch of signings make an impact. Rodgers’ previous arrivals have not impressed the former Irish international.

“I accept the fact Luis Suarez leaving and Daniel Sturridge being injured weakened the goal-scoring department this season but the people Brendan Rodgers brought in like Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini haven’t produced the goods,” admitted Whelan.

“Can Brendan find another Suarez, get Sturridge fit and get him playing regularly? I think the problems run even deeper than that at Liverpool right now.

“This is the big one for Brendan. I mean he spent close on £100 million last year, the majority of which have not delivered success. Very few of the players who came in the previous season have stepped up to the mark and made an impact and that’s very disappointing.”

Steven Gerrard’s departure is something Whelan feels Liverpool should have fought harder to prevent. “Steven’s mind was made up for him before eventually deciding on signing for LA Galaxy,” commented the former Republic of Ireland international.

“It’s another big hole to be filled just like when (Luis) Suarez left. Gerrard is your top goal-scorer at 33 years of age too and has been let go at the worst possible time when the rest of the team is struggling for goals.

“To me, Liverpool have been a bit caught out by not having a plan in place to bring in someone to replace him.”