Gerrard - drama affects us

Reds skipper admits players struggling to deal with speculation

Last updated: 22nd January 2008

Gerrard Steven

Gerrard: Admits players find it hard to focus on football

It is not just this week, it has been going on for some time and it is certainly not helping the players.

Steven Gerrard
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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits continuing off-field speculation about the club is making it difficult for the side to concentrate on football.

Uncertainty over the Reds' ownership and the position of manager Rafael Benitez have made for recurring headlines.

Form on the pitch has also been disappointing and the Reds needed a late Peter Crouch equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Anfield.

"It is not just this week, it has been going on for some time and it is certainly not helping the players," Gerrard said.

"I have got to be careful what I say about the situation but it is certainly not helping the team.

"We know what is going on, but as players you have got a job to do on the pitch.

Impossible

"You try to put what is going on off the pitch to the back of your mind but sometimes it is impossible, when it is every day."

The result leaves Liverpool outside the Champions League places but Villa boss Martin O'Neill still believes they must be favourites to claim the fourth spot.

Everton, Liverpool, Villa and Manchester City are separated by just two points in positions four to seven in the table.

O'Neill said: "Liverpool are the strongest of the four sides going for fourth spot. We do not have a big enough squad and we would need a lot of luck to contest fourth spot."

Managers chief Richard Bevan has also added his support to the Liverpool boss and claims the club's owners of undermining manager Benitez.

Bevan, the chief executive of the League Managers' Association, believes the matter has been badly handled and feels clubs need to improve their lines of communication between from boardroom to training ground.

Surprising

Bevan told Sky Sports News: "Clubs and their owners must act in a professional and business-like manner.

"Certainly what happened to Rafael Benitez undermined the club and certainly undermined him professionally and personally. It was surprising to hear the comments from the owner.

"But we also have to realise it is a massive multi-million pound business.

"It is really about making sure all the stake-holders properly communicate their views, sit round the table and build medium to long-term plans.

"If we were to focus on communication the game would be better off and many issues behind the scenes would be kept behind the scenes."

Comments

Cuthbert Mnyenyembe (Liverpool fan) says...

Rafa is the source of all this mess at Liverpool.His rotational policy is not helping us at all.Even if he is given the monies to buy classy players but with his So called Rotational policy,it can't work.Football like any other sport commands coherence amongst players.This is only possible if you feature a regular team from time to time.I wonder why this so called Rafa is so stubborn with his policy when in actual fact is not working at all.Can't he learn from respected Managers like Alex Fergs,Grants,O Neil who despite having a crop of players,they still feature a regular team. It is undisputed fact ,that it is not a mistake to make a mistake but rather a misstake to repeat a mistake,I wonder why Rafa is not keen to learn from his prior mistake(after noting that his so called Rotational policy is not materialising at all).In conclusion,I regard Rafa as having a 'status quo' problem in that he wants people to think he is Genius by taking an approch that is unique in rests of the premiership.Surely,you cannot consider managers in the likes of Alex Fergs,O Neil useless for maintaining the same eleven.We need a manager who is results oriented rather than an Egoist.JOSE IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO OUR PROBLEMS.

Posted 07:03 23rd January 2008

Benjamin Brown (Manchester United fan) says...

After genuinely believing the hype of Liverpool being serious title contenders this year, I am surprised and dissappointed with their performances. Howver, I am not so surprised about the petty excuses coming out of liverpool: "it affects us", "the owners this and the owners that". The owners are businessmen, in a business world...they are from Liverpool and don't share the same passion for a club that is seeming to be a bad investment. Would anyone invest further millions into something that does not seem to be working? I think not. Also, why isn't it working? Money was spent, the support is strong, as is the manager. Infact, liverpool have an exceptional defence (maybe agger's absence is proving to be a major blow), one of the strongest centre midfields in the world and a oung striker who stands out like a sore thumb at the moment (why didnt he come to utd?!). Obviously, blame has to be aimed somewhere and if it isnt at the americans its rafa. I find it hilarious how his tactics and regime has never changed and the liverpool fans adored him after the to champions league finals, yet now the same rotation policy is in place and its being blamed...baffling, similarly to newcastle. Overall, liverpool should join newcastle and accept that in terms of consistency, footballing brilliance and trophy winning ability (not depth and skill of squad, incidentally) liverpool do not have what the red evils and chelsea have. They should stick together, like arsnal are doing, put faith in rafa and the team and do what they do best...support. Also, lay off of kuyt, a player that receives little applaud fro the tireless work he does to aid the brilliance of torres.

Posted 00:25 23rd January 2008

Michael Marks (Liverpool fan) says...

I still honestly believe that Benitez is the man to take us forward but with the situation between him and the owners it has made his position untenable. I honestly believed that we would mount a serious challenge this season in the Premiership but have fallen way short again, it is so frustrating. I honestly believe the basis of our problem lies with rotating the starting eleven every game with 3 to 4 changes in varying positions. The players never have enough time to become accustumed to playing with one another whereas you look at teams like Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea who make possibly 1 to 2 changes maximum but play their most influential players every game. Looking statistically we have more shots on goal than any other premiership side but don't ever get the end product other than from Gerrard, Torres and Crouch. I honestly believe that Rafa should give Crouch a chance with Torres as I think he is a fantastic player with so much ability that he just does not get credit for. I believe that in the summer some of our players who have sadly not reached their potential will have to leave and strengthen the squad with more quality. Players likely to leave would be Carson, Riise, Pennant, Sissoko, Kyut and Voronin and hopefully we should have some revenue to buy some quality in the wide positions and a striker (possibly Henry) who is ruthless in front of goal. I honestly don't believe that Mourinho should become our next manager after his disparaging comments and obvious dislike of our club that is comparable to that of Ferguson. Stick with Benitez in the hope that he realises that he has got to start with his strongest possible 11 for every Premiership and Champions League game.

Posted 19:18 22nd January 2008

Roger Morse says...

I've been an unwavering LFC supporter for more than 40 years, but this year is painful. Solid in defence and midfield, but clueless, too complicated, and without flair going forward, with the exception of Torres and Crouch, but how often does he play? Rafa's rotation policy will certainly keep the players fresh and fit for the later part of the season, by which time it will be too late! At this rate, we won't even qualify for the Eufa Cup. There's a lot of rhetoric about the owners, but to my mind they have shown their commitment and loyalty, and deserve to receive the same in return. Sadly, it must be accepted that Rafa is not the man to win the Premiership for us.

Posted 14:21 22nd January 2008

Jeff Thompson (Aston Villa fan) says...

Steven Gerrard, what a joker, is anybody outside of birmingham actually gonna give villa any credit for last nights game, a draw was a fair result, liverpool did not dominate the game at all, villa snuffed them out very well.As for liverpool dominating, no chance, for about 5 minutes at start of second half, and near the end when they were 2-1 down, and even then villa played the counter attack very well, just final ball let villa down all nite. As for Gerrard saying "drama affects us" awww poor baby, tell u wat stevie, give me the sort of money you are picking up,im sure i could cope with those sort of problems, hardly like its personal to you is it? How do u explain italy winning the world cup then? and Milan in the season they got deducted points and could of been demoted, winning the champions league?Liverpool are not good enough, simple, money issues? suppose torres, pennant, bellamy, crouch, babel was all cheap?im fed up of listening about excuses. All people say about villa is...small squad, i might be mistaken but its 11 v 11, and outside the top 4, villas starting 11 is as good as any, and better than most, Thats all i heard last night, was about liverpool, liverpool liverpool? who got man of the match? does anybody know, let me guess gerrard? there is no way he bossed that midfield, reo coker, was awesome for villa so to say gerrard bossed the midfield is an insult to him.

Posted 14:09 22nd January 2008

Raymond Thomas (Liverpool fan) says...

Firstly, I am tired of people attacking Rafa and saying that he is the reason that Liverpool aren't winning the league, you all need to bear in mind that when Rafa took over Liverpool had not won the League in 14 years, so clearly he is not the cause of all this, he is the guy that's trying to put it right. Unfortunately, because the media (and the new finaces) raised our expectations so much, we are disappointed and want to vent out that disappointment on the manager, owners, etc. But we need to understand that a premiership winning side takes a while to build, Arsenal have not been serious title condenders since 2004, because Wenger has been building his team since then, but everyone showed confidence in him and its now paying off. Manchester had not won the league from when Rafa came till last year, and yet Sir Alex consistanly spent 50m pounds or more per season, there was no speculation, and its now paying dividends. My point is that Liverpool has only recently had the sort of finances to begin competing with the big boys, but money isn't everything, we also need time. I want the league as much as any Scouser, but I understand that growth is a process, and Liverpool is still a child compared to the other big four (just look at how much these other clubs have grossed over the past 5 years). And I say that we as fans honestly know nothing about how the club is run or what goes on behind closed doors, all we hear is rumours from the press and then we are so quick to condemn the manager or the players or the owners. I dpn't usually comment on these skysports pages, but I am just tired of people baying for blood because they think Liverpool should be at the top. Those glory days were great but they are past, this is a new team run by new people, so we should be FANS and support them through thick and thin because we are THE GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD!!!!

Posted 14:02 22nd January 2008

Ben Noke (Manchester United fan) says...

The problem clearly lies with Liverpool's players, as they can't maintain any kind of consistency (in either the Premier League or Champions League). I believe the current situation off the pitch doesn't help them but that's not soley the reason that they are 14 pts behind. Also Rafa's ridiculous rotation policy makes it even harder to gain consistency without the strongest 11 players getting used to each other every match.

Posted 13:39 22nd January 2008

Kris Skates (Liverpool fan) says...

I'm a massive Liverpool fan and have beeen since i can remember johnny barnes running rings around the defences that were put in front of him. It hurts me to say it but i believe that we are not good enough to win the league at the moment. We need to (like Benitez said) bring new faces in, and get rid of the players on the bench who are not good enough, like crouch, kuyt, and sissoko this was proved in the away game to Luton Town. However the way Benitez is being treated is totally unexceptable and with players like Stevey Gerrard coming out and saying its affecting the players, then something needs done. I back Benitez and always will but i think he needs to pick a strong 11 and stick with it, thats why the Mancs, Arsenal and Chelsea are where they are today. Its a real shame to see a club who i adore and love in situation it is in, if something isnt done then im afraid we will be playing UEFA cup football and you will see many players not wanting to stay. So i beg (not like they will be reading this) the Americans to sell up shop and move on and let Benitez manage, and how about the lads start playing for that shirt and stop relying on Carra, Gerrard and torres!

Posted 13:31 22nd January 2008

Mark Courtney says...

All this rubbish about the Americans and DIC, the team are affected by this, no the problem happened months ago when Paco left mysteriously, it shows now that Benitez relied on Paco alot more than he realised, come back Paco we need your help and expertise, after all Benitez and Paco where a team for some 11 years+. Benitez doesn't have the know how on his own.

Posted 13:22 22nd January 2008

Matthew Lee (Manchester United fan) says...

The problem is not the american owners, for they have given decent funding to the manager. The only reason they spoke to Klinsman is because Liverpool were not perfoming well enough to compete for the EPL. Give the owners a chance. As for Gary Lawson, the Bradford City fan, I want to highlight the flaws in your argument. It is true that Manchester United were not champions of England when they qualified for the 98/99 Champions League, BUT, and this is a BIG but, by the time Manchester United reached the final of 99 they had WON the English premiership only a few weeks earlier. Essentially they had proven they were the best in England that year, so what more can you ask for? The treble proved they were the best in England and Europe without question. So it is wrong to say they were not champions of England when they won the 99 Champions League final, because actually they were! Where as Liverpool won their last European cup having not won a league for many years, before or since, which is quite a different situation. Also, you say people should support their local club, as though it is some great moral issue that has an absolute. Why should someone have to support their local club ? Just because you say so? Football is about entertainment, and if someone has decided they get more value for money and excitement supporting one of the big clubs, what buisness is that of yours? Why do you care? There is no chance in hell that I would pay good money to watch long ball, violent nonsense on the pitch when I can pay to watch skill and finesse, and be entertained. In the end people support a club because that club makes them happy. If someone gets happiness watching Manchester United, Barcelona or even Milan, what buisness is that of yours? So stop being judgemental and self righteous, and let us not take such matters so seriously.

Posted 13:19 22nd January 2008

James Blair (Manchester United fan) says...

Gerard needs to get real. How much does he earn a week? he has a dream job doing what he loves. In what way could the club's off field problems affect the team on the pitch? They train the same, they have the same manager they are the same players. Their problem is the same as it has been for years. Not good enough. My brother is a liverpool fan and he says the same thing. No matter if they buy world class players here and there they haven't had 11 world class players for years and years. I despaired over United for years with some of the players we were playing, who were stopping us from being world class. Not now. Gerard needs to stop leading the moaning and accept the truth. Not good enough.

Posted 13:19 22nd January 2008

Mike Curtis (Liverpool fan) says...

Those slating Benitez whether there Liverpool fans or not, let me remind you it was less than a year ago that he took us to Athens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2nd Champions League final in 3 years?!!!!!!!!!!!! Still in the competition this year, in a better position this season in the league- points wise than we have been for a long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! people need to look at the facts!!!!!! yes he has spent money but what about the money he has re-couped!!!!!!!!!!!! and these yanks.........well quite frankly there behind whats going on its clear. they need out! TWEEDLE DEE AND TWEEDLE DUM OUT....RAFA STAYS...2 THINGS IVE NEVER BEEN SO SURE OF....YNWA!!!!!!!!!! IN RAFA I TRUST, IN LIVERPOOL I BELIEVE!

Posted 12:57 22nd January 2008

Mark (taffy) Turner (Liverpool fan) says...

I think its really dissappointing at the moment, teams like Man City, Villa, Everton and even Blackburn are all improving with a smaller budget than Liverpools, who seem to be going backwards. Im sick of saying in Janarury maybe "next year". I've defended Rafa for a while now but i think its time a siesta. Dont think its the owners anymore, £55 million is a lot of money with only two class signings in that, Torres and Babble. Play strongest 11 every league match new manager and start maybe next here today.

Posted 12:53 22nd January 2008

John Gorman (Everton fan) says...

The excuses have begun. If it is not Benitez, it is his prized captain. I bet Stevie G is worried who will pay his hundred grand next week. You are a professional and be professional not like the little ballerinas that you are portraying your team to be.

Posted 12:26 22nd January 2008

James Hunt (Liverpool fan) says...

I don't think it's the owners who are disturbing the peace at Anfield, it's the poor results from the team... I'm a huge fan of Benitez but if he is going to continue to be stubborn about his rotation policy then he has to go. the side lost its momentum since the game against reading when he opted to not only change the lineup but the formation as well. Been pretty much catchup from there on and the pressure the side is under is because of this. from being level on points with utd to now 14 adrift shows the slide we are on.. Look at the difference in performance over the 2 FA Cup legs when he played the 2nd leg with what everyone knows to be the strongest side. Why can we not field that side whenever they are fit??? These are not things the utd, chelsea or arsenal fans get and that is why they aren't pulling their hair out like we are. He claimed the objective this season was to win the league... so please explain why he plays his weaker teams in the league and a full strength side in the champions league?? its very frustrating 2 step process to recovery: 1) Play the strongest available side week in - week out 2) Sell Kuyt to Derby on a free transfer (if they would want him) The owners are not the blame, its the rotation policy that is producing poor results and thus causing the chaos.

Posted 12:00 22nd January 2008

Gary Lawson (Bradford City fan) says...

Liverpool are my 'other' team. I loved the way they played when I was a kid. Liverpool, unlike Manchester United nearly completed an unbelievable quadruple in '77 failing only in the FA Cup against, ironically, Man Utd. Manchester United weren't even champinons of England when they won their so called treble which was only made possible by the creation of the 'Chamoions League'. Tell me, what were Man Utd champions of when they won the Champions League? Arsenal were our champions from the previous year. Point being is that money has overtaken football at the top level. Bradford City 0 Accrington Stanley 3. Yes, it happened. And what were the crowd doing? Slagging off the manager, the owners or the players? No, they were singing their hearts out, 13000 of us "CITY TIL I DIE". Most of the people on here should be out supporting their home town clubs instead of worrying about the millions of the top three. I miss the Liverpool of my youth, the football they played and the high esteem vitually everyone in the country held them in. In all honesty I hang on to that era when I follow Liverpool's results these days. I still hope Liverpool break the top three - just to make it a little more interesting for the rest of us but reading Liverpool fans moaning and groaning about this and that just makes me wish a few of them would experience an Accrington Stanley.

Posted 11:38 22nd January 2008

Tito Biggerstaff says...

Get rid off Benitez and replace him with Mourinho! Ay calm down our kid. Dont forget Mourinho is the tactical genius who let rafa outwit him twice in the Champions league. Dont forget Rafa won a champions league and took us to a final as well. Thats more than the other "big 3". it seems liverpool fans have fallen to the propoganda of the other big 3 who claim the premiership is bigger than the champions league . It isnt! man utd and arsenal can win another 5 premierships in 5 years but to those clubs its the champions league that counts. amazing how one mans holy grail is another mans ungrateful football club who forget what rafa has done.

Posted 11:38 22nd January 2008

Yonah Mufweba (Manchester United fan) says...

I agree with the views of the Liverpool skipper because as long as the speculations continues the players will be affect both on and off the pitch.

Posted 11:27 22nd January 2008

Noelly Foley (Liverpool fan) says...

I'm absolutly disgusted at the behaviour of the majority of Liverpool fans last night with their anti-american chants.. Liverpool fans could claim to be the best supporters in Britain along with Newcastle, Leeds & Celtic.. However, last night totally diminished that theory. The fact is that even before the Americans came in Liverpool have not been up to scratch under Rafa. He needs to go. People claim that he is tactical genius when he can't " mastermind " a home win against the likes of Wigan. He's not cut of for this league & his final postions in the league have shown that. Liverpool fans claim to be one of the most knowledgeable in Britain. Well if they think Rafa is the man to win them the league I'm afraid that claim is is just totally untrue. We'll will shortly be like Man Utd and be one of the most hated teams in the country

Posted 11:23 22nd January 2008

Patch Ogbonna says...

I have been a Liverpool fan for over 35 years. What I am seeing today of their performances is nothing short of pitiful. The majority of the players fielded or purchased over the past few seasons would not even make the reserve teams for the other BIG Three sides. Players like Harry Kewell, Veronin, Kuyt all flatter to decieve. Why are they still there? As for Rafa's rotation policy, its Ok to rotate if you have QUALITY players that are all fighting for their team place. When you have a situation where good players are left warming the bench this does nothing but disrupt player's confidence and team consistency. Most teams field their best sides, Liverpool field what ever players Rafa thinks will work regardless of how well they are performing. Until this mindset/policy changes, we will continue to slide further down the table.

Posted 11:21 22nd January 2008

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