Brendan's pre-Stoke press conference
14:06 On Ibe and Flanagan...
"Delighted. Two very important players for now and for the future of the club...It allows them to concentrate on the next part of their career here."
14:07 On Sterling...
"It's very difficult to comment on what other people speak about, but we've always been very here. If we've got any meetings to discuss, it'll all be dealt with internally. We don't like to publicise what we're going to do.
For me, the concentration for myself is to continue to improve Raheem as a football player.
But the facts are very, very simple. Raheem has two years left on his deal at Liverpool, and I expect him to see that two years through."
14:08 On the meeting...
"I don't see Raheem being unhappy. I think Raheem rep made it very clear that they wanted to speak at the end of the season, so for us our concentration is on the last game and I'm sure talk will take place over the summer."
14:09 On his relationship with Sterling...
"He'll be available for selection [on Sunday]. My relationship hasn't been affected at all.
For me, what goes on with contracts, it doesn't change my approach to him. I've always maintained this is a really good boy."
14:09 On the publicity of the talks...
"How we like to work here is to keep everything behind closed doors. We can only control our own business here."
14:10 On the fans' approach to Sterling...
"The LFC supporters always back their own players. If he starts or doesn't start at the weekend - he will get the support of the supporters."
14:11 More on Raheem...
"What he said [before Chelsea] will always be between him and I."
14:12 On the owners and Sterling...
"The ownership have shown their strength in their time here. They've done an incredible job to stabilise the club and point them in the right direction. Whenever they've had to show that strength they've done that.
They will show that strength again."
14:12 On persuading Sterling to stay...
"There's regular communication with the players and Raheem is no different to that.
The simple fact is Raheem has two years left here."
14:13 On Stoke and Europe...
"We want to finish as high as we possibly can. Our season doesn't finish until the whistle blows on Sunday. It'll be a tough game for us but we want to go there and final as well as possible."
14:14 On Gerrard...
"He'll be very able [to play]. It's probably been a huge relief for him [to get the Anfield game out the way].
I think the supporters gave him a great send-off from Anfield.
He's worked well this week, concentrating well for the game on Sunday."
14:14 On the season...
"I'll [reflect] at the end of the season."
14:14 Team news...
Most players fit and available. Balotelli a doubt, nothing other of note.
