'Focus on the ball, focus on the team' - Liverpool's Raheem Sterling reveals methods used by Dr Steve Peters

 
Mind game: Raheem Sterling says he has benefited from working with Dr Steve Peters
Andy Hodgson30 April 2014

Raheem Sterling believes top sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters has been key to the huge strides he has made this season.

The winger’s fearless performances for Liverpool have raised his hopes of being in England’s World Cup squad this summer.

England manager Roy Hodgson has added Dr Peters to his staff for the finals and the psychiatrist’s work with the Liverpool players shows his value.

Sterling said: “The way he works is brilliant. At first I thought it wasn’t for me. On the outside you might think it’s complicated but all the messages are very straightforward.

“He understands the players and the emotional side of the game. What he says really helps you.

“We use a motto ‘focus on the ball, focus on the team’. I had a meeting with him before the Manchester City game.

“I thought it was going to last 20-25 minutes. So I walked in, sat down and he just said: ‘focus on the ball, focus on the team’. ‘Is that it?’ I asked him. But it was really important.

“From December I realised I had to start stamping my personalty on the game and not to be worried about mistakes.”

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