|
|
Downing hopes improved performances will keep him at Liverpool
25-Dec-2012 1:06:00 AM
The Reds winger is optimistic that, since being told by Brendan Rodgers that he would be allowed to leave in January, he has done enough to prove that he should stay
Liverpool winger Stewart Downing hopes his improved performance in recent weeks will prevent manager Brendan Rodgers from following through on suggestions that he could be sold in January.The midfielder joined the Reds for £20 million in the summer of 2011 but has struggled at Anfield before stepping things up with his first Premier League goal for the club against Fulham.
"I wanted to stay, I didn't want to leave, but it was out of my hands," Downing explained to Sky Sports regarding being told that he would be allowed to leave in the winter transfer window.
"I was out of the team and frustrated and I said, if something big came up, I'd look at it. We had that conversation and, to be honest, I thought I was on my way in January.
 |
|
| LIVERPOOL LATEST |
|
| 35/1 | Stewart Downing is 35/1 with Bet365 to score anytime in a 2-1 Liverpool win over Stoke City |
"I don't know who makes that decision but one minute I was being told I was doing well and the next I was told I could go."
The winger noted that facing the prospect of being sold may have helped him to turn the corner.
"It was a bit confusing but it is a kick up the backside," he observed. "I then had nothing to lose as I was going. If it was a gee-up for me then maybe it's worked because the performances are coming now.
"The good thing is we have had open dialogue. I speak to [Rodgers] if I have a problem and, if he has something to say to me, he can speak to me, so from that point of view it has been good.
"He has been straight with me and said if something comes up in January them we'd look at it but if he's saying I'm staying then it's a funny old game.
"The only thing I can do is play well and make him keep me and pick me and that is all I am trying to do."
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Goal Special: I-League Team of the Season
Each of Goal's correspondents select their own XI, before eventually settling on a combined team, which represents the best of the lot from the 2012-13 season...
-
Champions League Final Tactical Analysis
Brendon Netto analyzes where the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich could be own or lost.
-
How Heynckes was always undermined
The veteran coach will step down from his position in charge of Die Roten after the Champions League final at Wembley. Goal reflects on how Heynckes was never given due credit....
-
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
-
