Gerrard - CL no consolation

Skipper unhappy at events at Anfield

Last updated: 28th February 2008

Gerrard - CL no consolation

Gerrard: Disappointed

In the position we find ourselves now, fourth is the least that is acceptable. But we have bigger ambitions than that.

Steven Gerrard
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Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard concedes winning the UEFA Champions League will prove no consolation for failing to mount a serious title challenge.

The Reds, who currently sit in fifth spot, have dropped out of the race for the title despite a promising start to the season.

Liverpool now find themselves in a battle with Everton, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Manchester City for the lucrative fourth place finish in the Premier League.

The situation frustrates Gerrard, who is determined to win the Premier League title, and he says glory in this season's Champions League will not even make up for another disappointing domestic campaign.

Disappointment

"In the position we find ourselves now, fourth is the least that is acceptable. But we have bigger ambitions than that," Gerrard told the club's official magazine.

"The only way we can fulfil those ambitions is in the Champions League. And I am not going to pretend that even winning that trophy - and we are a long way away from it at the moment - will make up for the disappointment of the league campaign."

Damaging situation
Gerrard also claimed that the constant speculation over a possible takeover at the club and the future of Rafa Benitez has affected everyone at the club.

"It's sad so much of the club's business has been conducted in public," added Gerrard.

"The club I have grown up supporting always did its business behind closed doors, and that is what we have to get back to.

"It's been a damaging situation for everyone."

Comments (6)

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Anthony Macmahon (Manchester United fan) says...

looks like gerrard could be thinking of a move at the end of the season. wounldnt surprise me if he left. after all they are showing no signs of improvement in the league. money well spent rafa! And considering how close he was not to signing his last contract (which he openly admits) it is not unthinkable.

Posted 12:31 28th February 2008

Steve P (Liverpool fan) says...

Even as a Liverpool fan would you blame him for seeking the Premiership or further honours with another club? All players (should) want to win trophies and at 27 his dream is the Premiership. With the current team around him I can't see this happening. Four, five or even more of each weeks starting XI wouldn't get into any of the other teams battling for honours or a champions league place. Let's start building a team around our core/spine and not worrying about having to pick bit players every week. The likes of Pennant, Benayoun, Voronin, Kuyt, Hyppia (great servant), lucas, Kewell, etc should be battling for a place in the squad not fending off others for their spot. With the current squad what Liverpool fan can honestly say this time next year it will all be different?

Posted 11:29 28th February 2008

Matt Faucher (Liverpool fan) says...

Gareth, you said bout Gerrard in a Everton top. He was in Liverpools academy when still a young boy and has grown up in this way. Also how many Everton supporters have played for Liverpool and been great stars. Answer heck of a lot....... What does that say about Evertons Scouting qualities......... ;)

Posted 11:10 28th February 2008

Jason Hillard (Liverpool fan) says...

Well said Stevie G. I think this just shows what a mess we are at the moment! For him to come out and say this to the press highlights how the players feel about the whole situation. I think that, personally, both the players and the manager are to blame. As a life long Liverpool fan, I remember the glory days and fully believe that we are capable of achieving them again but not with the current manager and not with a large amount of players that we have. Obviously Stevie and Fernando are keeping us afloat at the moment but if either or both of them get injured then we will struggle to get a european place let alone a champions league place. The answer? New owners : DIC New manager: Preferably Mourinho (I know he was in charge of the enemy before but he is class and was the difference at Chelski) More world class players like Torres for first team and in depth. Until this happens then there will be glorious european nights, bad league positions and dirty laundry aired. Jase (unhappy Liverpool fan)

Posted 11:06 28th February 2008

Gareth Fieldstead (Everton fan) says...

The club you supported from a boy, Steven? So what is the picture of you in a wonderful Everton strip alongside the championship trophy and charity shield in 1987, all about?

Posted 10:04 28th February 2008

Hasnaine Jaffer (Liverpool fan) says...

I feel extremely sorry for Stevie, he clearly has so much passion and as stated in my previous posts it is all about the prem for us! This story proves my point as the best player we have wants the league more than anything else. I seriously stand by my word and blame one man......Rafa! At the start of the league we were tipped to win it, simply because we were top with 2 games in hand what a fantastic position to be in. Would you want to change things? Of course not, but sadly Rafa starts to rotate and we then start drawing, and now we are fighting for 4th position. The best managers in the world stick to their top 11 and that¿s how they are successful, rotating may have worked at Valencia in the Spanish League but this is the prem it's a different ball game and the sooner Rafa realises that the better. Decissions to substitute at 83rd mins again will not get us out of trouble for a tactition as he is famously known, he needs to analyse his decissions in more depth. The decission to let Owen go at the start of the season was again a ridiculous one, to have him and Torres upfront for us right now would be goals galore! Not only would it have settled Owen's career but it would have given us what we needed consistency. Gerrard has already stated that he is 27, he doesn¿t want to be 32 and still be dreaming about next season it's got to be here and now! Rafa needs to start understanding, stop rotating and play players in their natural position! Then only will we be serious contenders.

Posted 09:52 28th February 2008
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