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”Steve Is Not A Magician, But He Has Made An Excellent Impact” Rodgers

Brenda Rodgers has hailed Steve Peters as the ‘genius’ who has helped turn Liverpool from Premier League chimps to potential champions.

The Team GB psychiatrist was one of Rodger’s first appointments when he took charge at Anfield in a bid to improve his side’s mental toughness.

Peters has worked with Olympic gold medallists such as Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Victoria Pendleton with his methods turning them into serial winners using his ‘chimp paradox’ method.

The method involves allowing sportsmen and women to understand how their minds work with England boss Roy Hodgson so impressed has also recruited Peters to help his World Cup squad this summer.

Liverpool have gone from finishing seventh last season to battling it out for their first league title in 24 years this term, with a skipper Steven Gerrard recently singing Peters’ praises.

Liverpool face their biggest test of the season on Sunday against title rivals Manchester City.

And Rodgers said: “Every club I’ve worked, I’ve worked with a neurologist or a sports psychiatrist. Coming to Liverpool, it was important that we got in the best.

“When I met Steve, he wasn’t sure about football, because he’s always been kept at arm’s length. The very brief experiences he had in football weren’t very good.

“We asked him to come in here, and he’s worked extremely well.

“We work technically, tactically, physically and mentally with the players. And what happens in football is that the mental skills element gets forgotten about, when for me, it’s key to everything.

“He’s not a magician but he’s made an excellent impact. The other elements of our team are very professional as well and are doing a great job.

“He’s a specialist at what he does. He’s a genius in that field.

“He’s a very important part of our team because that is a vital part of what we do. But there are other important parts that make it all up as well.”

Rodgers revealed he even has his own sessions with Peters.

He added: “He’s also great for me, because command can be lonely at times.

“You’re trying to put in place a structure and environment that’s dynamic and forward thinking. He’s also good for me to bounce ideas off.