Roy Hodgson has taken a swipe at Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers following the latest club versus country row, with the England boss questioning Rodgers demand for a two day recovery period for his players.
Tensions between England and Liverpool have been simmering since Daniel Sturridge was injured during the last round of international matches, and the row has come to a head following Raheem Sterling’s request to be left out of the side due to tiredness.
Hodgson has come in for criticism for airing his private conversation with Sterling publicly, and now the England boss has questioned Rodgers fitness methods.
“Raheem might say it is something that is becoming ingrained in him and that he felt the need to talk about being tired more than he would normally do,” Hodgson said.
“But we have never had any problems with that. I don’t think there is a lot of medical evidence to support the ‘two day recovery’.
“So if you want to, you might want to research that one.
“Certainly, the Germans who you admire so much – they don’t do it. That is for certain.
“I would expect players not to take it granted that there will be two-day recoveries.
”He (Sterling) said, ‘I’m feeling tired, I’d rather sit this one out’.”
After revealing the details of the conversation, Hodgson also said he believes Rodgers must take responsibility for ensuring Sterling does not suffer from physical and mental fatigue.
“Am I the only one with that responsibility? Or does it have to be shared between club and country? I think it does,” Hodgson said.
Hodgson should have kept the discussion between him and the player to himself
Woy has to be one of the thickest pricks to ever blag a living out of being a football manager #dinosaur
Has it not been said that no-one knows a players body and how it is feeling better than the player. It is not a case of babying players who may not just want to play, it is saving players getting hurt when they should not be played. Case in point the recent fiasco with Sturridge. He should never have been picked to play, not only did he cost Liverpool their front man, he also cost England because he was unable to play in their last game. Poor, poor man management Hodgson.