Gerrard wants stronger Reds

Gerrard: looking ahead to next season

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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has called for the club to back Rafa Benitez in the transfer market for next season.

Benitez is already planning to bring in reinforcements for next term after seeing their UEFA Champions League dreams ended by Chelsea in a dramatic semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Liverpool's transfer plans could be affected by the boardroom unrest at Anfield involving American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but Gerrard is hoping the Reds squad will be strengthened in the close-season to help them challenge the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"We've all got to look forward because it's never easy to lose a game like this. We were all desperate to win the European Cup again, especially for our fans, who were magnificent again."

"But there is no point in looking back or thinking of what might have been. We have to look forward because we have to go into next season looking to improve again.

Stronger squad

"Hopefully, we will go into next season with a stronger squad because that could make a big difference, particularly when we're playing in games like last night's.

"And if we can bottle the disappointment we're feeling right now it could be a big motivation for us."

Gerrard admitted he was proud of the side's effort in the narrow defeat to Chelsea

"It just wasn't to be," added Gerrard. "Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and admit it wasn't your night.

Proud

"Even after going behind we kept on fighting and looking to get back into the game and when we managed to do that it looked like we could even go on and win it.

"Like I said, it wasn't to be, but it wasn't for a lack of effort. You have to give Chelsea credit, they are a good side - you don't get through to European Cup finals unless you are. "