The England international winger hasn't lived up to his £20 million price tag following his move to Anfield from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011.
17-year-old starlet Sterling has been fast-tracked into the first team ahead of Downing, and it has even been suggested the normally attack minded left winger could be converted into a left-back in order to enhance his prospects of getting into the team.
Rodgers has challenged Downing to show the passion required to play for Liverpool or face being shipped out of the club.
"Stewart is a good guy and a good lad who came here for an awful lot of money," Rodgers told The Guardian.
"It hasn't quite worked out for him as he would want it. The big challenge for him now is that commitment to the cause to fight, because he has the qualities. He has a wonderful left foot but what is important is that it is more than talent.
"Talent alone is not enough. You have to work hard, you have to fight for the shirt. We have seen that in a number of the young players and if you don't do that then longer-term you won't be here. It is as simple as that really."
Rodgers insists the responsibility over Downing's performances rest solely on the player's own shoulders.
He added: "We are coaches, not magicians. For me football players are no different to plumbers, joiners or bricklayers. They are self-employed and us as medics, coaches and managers are the tools that help them to be better.
"We will give them everything to help them to be better, but if they don't want to show that self-motivation, and if you haven't got that desire and hunger to succeed, then it can be very difficult for you."
Jose Enrique's Liverpool career could also be under threat, Rodgers revealed. Despite the former Newcastle man enjoying a relatively promising start under Kenny Dalglish last season, his form has dropped recently following a spell out with injury.
Rodgers added: "I don't waste my time waiting until January to tell both players [Downing and Enrique] what I know now. So they know in relation to the demands of what we want and certainly what it is going to take for us to succeed and for them to fit into the dynamics of the group."
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Always thought it was a professionalism thing. Just doesn't try enough or just not good enough or both?
I'm sure Oli has a few words :P\
In the case of enrique it's crazy to see how far he's fallen, he was our best performing player in his first 5 months
LennyMon 01/10/12 at 05:01 Rodgers going public is much to do about nothing. Liverpool paid £20 million for Downing, and he can't crack the starting XI on a club that is 14th in the league table. Doesn't take too much effort to figure out there is some negative with the guy. Any club willing to take Downing on a transfer would investigate the problem with him.
LFC SUBMon 01/10/12 at 07:53 He says what we all think that's encouraging but I agree he is better off saying nothing and selling. I suppose by saying it public if downing and Enrique have got anything about them they will work their asses off to prove him wrong. What I expect to happen is they get the hump and instruct their agents to fund them another club. I don't think rogers is bothered either way.
ArtonSG8Mon 01/10/12 at 14:26 He isn't playing for a 14th table team.We are there just for now.He is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world Leny.
OlivavuMon 01/10/12 at 14:51 Don't be so previous about it Arton. The point is that Downing cannot get into a struggling side.
ArtonSG8Mon 01/10/12 at 20:34 Rodgers wants to build a Liverpool where players want to play for and feel honoured to be part of,and where players give their best to stay here
LennyMon 01/10/12 at 22:47 Don't be so previous about it Arton.
The point is that Downing cannot get into a struggling side.
Exactly
LFC SUBTue 02/10/12 at 11:24 ESPN Rodgers was more than pleased by the performances of his teenage trio in the 5-2 win over Norwich at the weekend, and he admits their work-rate and attitude makes it easy to pick them at the expense of more established stars, such as Stewart Downing. "Yes, it makes my job easy. In fact, my job couldn't be easier because if you are fighting and someone else isn't, there isn't even a... it is so easy," he added. "Lots of others in the team are putting their bodies on the line and the ones that don't stand out like a sore thumb. "There is no problem and for me status does not matter. It is what you are like as a player. It doesn't matter how much money you have come for, that doesn't matter to me. I will play a 17-year-old if he fights and he has quality." Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/172881.html#UUUCcwfTYZYDf8cW.99 Sums up everything I like about Rogers attitude so far.
taxijeffWed 03/10/12 at 03:44 I do think the documentary "Being Liverpool" has a lot to do as to why BR has been so "public" with a lot of things lately, as it will probably be seen in the next few weeks anyways  
OlivavuWed 03/10/12 at 09:23 I have been enjoying that.
NichoWed 03/10/12 at 12:48 I have only watched the first one but have recorded the second. I may not watch it as I found the first one cringe-worthy in the extreme. The talks and discussions have been stage managed and sanitized for the American market. No F, T or C words within earshot. Strikes me as being very inaccurate to the usual goings on at the club (or any other for club for that matter)
LFC SUBWed 03/10/12 at 13:32 rogers comes across a bit like david brent. i agree the yanks have made it to try and encourage people (particularly fellow yanks) to support the club. its basically a promo marketing thing. its interesting enough but ultimately what goes on in a football club when the cameras are rolling so pointless if you are hoping to see genuine behind the scenes.
BadmoonSun 07/10/12 at 09:31 Now downing saying stuff back in the media. Good luck with that one your lucky to be anywhere near the first team, brave on the ball to create things? Like no assists or goals in a full season you massive waste of money. I hope he gets fined and put in the reserves. If I still played champman I fine him every week as some kind of virtual justice. That program although interesting is hard to watch and get the David Brent reference:)
jarhead113Sun 07/10/12 at 11:49 he says he won't tackle so why bother putting him left back haha
BadmoonSun 07/10/12 at 11:51 he says he won't tackle so why bother putting him left back haha
I know fancy saying if you want me to tackle three players that isn't my game. Should be everyone's game. I bet Suarez tackles more men in a game than that. What a massive tool
OlivavuSun 07/10/12 at 16:53 I think the comment about not tackling is a subtle hint that he doesn't fancy left-back. He is a weak, flimsy, gutless player and he never had a place here. Just cut our losses and sell the waster in January.
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