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Rodgers: 'No need' to replace Sterling at Liverpool

Rodgers doesn't see the need to replace Man City's Sterling. Credit: PA

Brendan Rodgers has denied Brazilian new-boy Firmino was recruited in light of Raheem Sterling's summer departure, and claims there's "no need" for a direct replacement at Liverpool.

Sterling joined Liverpool's Premier League rivals Man City earlier this week in a deal worth £49m.

Brazilian international Firmino, who joined the Reds from Hoffenheim for £29m last month, had been touted as Sterling's like-for-like replacement, but this is something the club's manager denies.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website in Brisbane during their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East, Rodgers said:

It's not so much [about] a direct replacement for Raheem, it's just about improving the squad. We've brought in a number of really good players and you add that to what we've already got and the balance in the team looks strong. There's not a need, I didn't feel, for a direct replacement for Raheem.

– Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers