Sterling: We're already improving
Raheem Sterling is enjoying pre-season training more than ever this year thanks to the nature of new boss Brendan Rodgers' sessions at Melwood.
Rodgers has shifted the focus from more standard stamina-based routines, such as long-distance running, to an emphasis on ball-work and Sterling insists the technical improvements are already there for all to see.
"The training has been more enjoyable than other seasons because it has been more ball-related," explained the 17-year-old in his first official LFC interview. "That's definitely been a surprise - I was expecting long hill runs but it's nice to come in and do ball work.
"The manager is getting us to play football. It's only been about a week and already you can see improvement in the movement of the ball - it's been really good football so far.
"Everyone is buzzing and they're loving the training. All the young lads are saying they love the way things are going and we are really enjoying it.
"The manager makes everyone feel welcome, even the young lads who are coming up. For him to speak to us is really good. He's given us advice, he's a good manager."
Sterling made his Liverpool debut against Wigan in March this year, when he was introduced as an 85th minute substitute to the delight of the Anfield faithful and the youngster remembers the moment manager Kenny Dalglish told him to get ready to take to the turf.
"It was a shock to be in the squad," admitted Sterling. "But it was really exciting for me and when (Dalglish) said my name, I was like: 'Me? Are you sure?'
"So I put my shirt on and it just didn't feel real. It felt like I was dreaming and when I got on the pitch, I got caught up in the atmosphere of the stadium. It was one of the best experiences of my whole life.
"I was just thinking: something I've dreamt about all my life is about to come true and to finally get the chance to come on and play for a club like Liverpool was great. I was a bit nervous but once I got on the pitch and got my first touch of the ball, I relaxed a bit and it was really enjoyable.
"On the pitch, the players are always speaking to you to make you feel as though you are part of the team which is good. I was shouted at a few times, but you just have to deal with that!
He added: "After it, people congratulated me and it was nice knowing all the fans really wanted to see me play. After that I would get recognised a bit more. The first time I got asked (for an autograph), I had to check they meant me! But after that you get used to it.
"My mum keeps me grounded though; she lets me know what is right and wrong. She was really happy when I made my debut. My whole family has moved up here, so as much as it is me doing it on the pitch, she helps me off the pitch, so I have to thank her. She's a really helpful person in my life.
"The people at the Academy made me feel very welcome and the football that they have brought to the Academy, I've got to say, is really, really top quality. So I've got to say thank you to them for being there and helping me out with everything over the past few years. I'm really thankful for that."
Rodolfo Borrell was one man in particular who played an important role in aiding Sterling's development as a player. The former Barcelona man coached Sterling right from the moment he joined the club from QPR in February 2010.
"When I first came to the club, I was really immature with my playing style," said Sterling. "I just used to be constantly going forward and I didn't know my positioning very well. And he helped me tactically, physically and mentally.
"He helped me with my movement in behind defenders and helped me to get on the ball in different positions, so I've got to thank him very much. After a game, he doesn't just tell you that you had a good game; he would tell you if you had a bad game.
"So, to have a manager who is like that and is really up front with you and knows a good player when he sees one is great. He's not just guided me but a few of the other boys at the academy and in the reserve team."