London - Speaking at the club's awards ceremony on Tuesday, manger Brendan Rodgers said this season has been a struggle for fifth-placed Liverpool because of a number of "distractions".
Read: Mixed reception for Sterling at club's awards
"Expectancy from last season was going to be high," Rodgers said.
"Things that have happened, the distractions, you can't plan for them.
"It has been a difficult, trying season but the players will all be better for it next year.
"The players need a rest but the club will continue to work hard to improve the squad and next year provides another great opportunity for us like last season."
Liverpool travel to Stoke City for their final Premier League match of the season on Sunday.