Rio Ferdinand has revealed that his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney once noticed him during a game that the defender was stinking of alcohol.
Ferdinand recalled the incident as he discussed why Liverpool‘s consistency has wavered since they won the Premier League title last month.
Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in their first game since winning the title before then registering wins against Aston Villa and Brighton.
Rio Ferdinand revealed that Wayne Rooney noticed he was stinking of alcohol during a game
Ferdinand recalled the incident with Rooney as he explained how teams switch off after they’ve won the title
Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield on Saturday, and Ferdinand admitted that it is difficult for players to keep focused when they have been celebrating their title success.
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: ‘There’s no doubt in my mind that there is a one per cent or two per cent fall-off when you win a league.
‘Unless you have got a Champions League that is coming up after, which they haven’t, you normally just sit there and chill.
‘I remember running past Wayne Rooney in a game once and he said “Wow, you stink of alcohol” and I said “Yeah, I have been out all week.”
Ferdinand has much experience of winning the Premier League – it is something he achieved six times at United.
The former centre-back says that it is impossible for a team to play with their usual intensity when they have already won the league.
Ferdinand said he understands why Liverpool’s form has dipped since they won the league
He continued: ‘So you celebrate. You haven’t got to go anywhere, they can be at home on a Zoom call, you don’t know these days, things are different.
‘I am telling you there is a one per cent or two per cent at least that has come off, even in training. It’s not the same intensity, it’s just the way it is.
‘Yes, they are fighting to break records, but that’s not the same as fighting for another title or another cup somewhere else.’
As Ferdinand alluded to, Liverpool are chasing the record for the Premier League’s highest ever points tally, with the record having been set by Manchester City, who finished with 100 points in the 2017-18 campaign.
Liverpool, who are currently on 93 points, can finish the season with 102 points. They have three games remaining – away to Arsenal, at home to Chelsea and away to Newcastle.
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