Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has warned Raheem Sterling that he risks becoming "a squad player" if he leaves in search of a bigger club.
The young England international's refusal to sign a new contract at Anfield has left both him and the Reds with big decisions this summer but Gerrard is concerned that Sterling's ambition could cause his development to stall.
The 20-year-old has excelled as a regular starter under Brendan Rodgers, a luxury that the LA Galaxy-bound midfielder feels might not be available further up the ladder.
"For the player's sake and for all of us fans out there, he needs to make the decision quickly," Gerrard said
"I hope he stays. I think, for his development as a player, he has a fantastic manager to look after him and a great set of team-mates. I think it's important he plays week in, week out and keeps trying to learn and strive to become a world-class player.
"The frustrating thing for me would be if he went to a club and became a squad player and just another number and he didn't have that chance to progress. That's the risk. What will be frustrating for me is if he does that."
Rodgers has been assured of his own Anfield future for the time being after holding showdown talks with the club hierarchy.
But part of those end-of-season discussions revolved around the futures of long-serving assistant Colin Pascoe and coach Mike Marsh, who were both let go following the meeting.
Rene Meulensteen and Pako Ayestaran, Rafa Benitez's No.2 while at Anfield, have been linked with the vacant roles as owners FSG seek proven, top-level experience in the backroom staff, while Sami Hyypia has touted himself for the role, and Gerrard is keen to find out why Rodgers chose to sack his lieutenants.
"I am very interested to see who he puts in alongside him and also to hear Brendan speak in a press conference to see why he has decided to make those decisions," Gerrard said.
"I was very surprised. I didn't expect there to be any changes in the staff positions. I think Brendan and the bosses have made those decisions and I'm looking with a keen interest to see who he puts alongside him and how he tries to improve or strengthen his staff moving forward.
"I don't have that relationship with Brendan any more where I might have got a bit of a nudge on it."
Asked if the unity of the squad could be affected by the staff changes, Gerrard replied: "We will have to wait and see. I think Brendan will obviously feel he needed to make some changes and freshen certain things up in his staff.
"But for me the key is always how you strengthen your team and squad on the pitch. For me the most important thing is who Liverpool sign to strengthen the team and squad."
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