Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is preparing for another summer of keeping a key member of his team out of the grasp of Premier League rivals.
But this time it’s psychiatrist Steve Peters rather than star striker Luis Suarez.
Peters has become an influential member of the Reds’ backroom team, including having a place on the bench for last weekend’s win over West Ham.
He will work with the England squad at the World Cup this summer and had previously worked with snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan recommended Peters to Manchester United in a bid to turn around the fortunes of David Moyes’ side, but Rodgers says that won’t be happening.
He said: “He’s had chances to go to other clubs but he is very, very happy here so it’s a very important component in our team, in order to help us win – but it’s a component.
“We work technically, tactically and physically with the players and also mentally, and often in football those mental skills get forgotten about. But for me, it’s the key to winning.
“He asked my permission to work with England. Every club I’ve been at I have always worked with a neurologist or sports psychologist. Coming to Liverpool it was important we got in the best.
“When I first met Steve he was not sure about football because he’d always been kept at arm’s length and the experiences he had in football very briefly were not very good.
“But we asked him to come here, he’s done that and worked extremely well. He and I have a very close relationship in terms of the importance of the role.
“He realises and understands he’s got someone who knows about psychology and the confidence players require to perform and the mental skills element involved, which doesn’t happen much in football.
“First and foremost we have a great professional team behind the team here. The notion for me was managers, however and whatever they think, are mostly dominant and leaders but you can’t know everything. It’s very important you have the team around you to fill those gaps.”
Peters’ agreement at Anfield says he cannot work with another Premier League club.
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