Steven Gerrard – Liverpool Skipper
Liverpool skipper, Steven Gerrard, has insisted that the Daglish side is pretty confident for grabbing a Champions League spot next season and further speaks about his fitness.
England and Liverpool midfielder, Steven Gerrard has stated that Liverpool’s main aim next season would be to book a Champions League spot. However, he also warned his side to be realistic and not expect too high too much.
Liverpool ended their season on a high, soon after Kenny Daglish took the honours to manage the Merseyside players. Under former coach, Roy Hodgson, Liverpool suffered quite a miserable season and looked out of sorts. But the arrival of Daglish changed the whole scenario at the Anfield and it re-assured the fans that the club is back on track and often running. Liverpool ended their season in a great shape, finishing 6th in the table despite having a poor 1st half season.
Gerrard stated that while he is keeping his feet on the ground, he believes that the arrival of Kenny Daglish at Anfield, with a three year contract will do wonders for the club.
Gerrard stated “I’d love nothing better than to lead the lads to some silverware next year but I don’t want to raise expectation by saying that will definitely happen.”
“It would be stupid of me to raise expectations any more than they are already.
Gerrard previously said that a few good top signings would brighten the chances of the club to once again challenge for the League Title and Champions League qualification.
He said “At the beginning of every season at Liverpool expectations rise, and now that Kenny is staying and with a few signings I’m sure it’ll go through the roof.”
“Getting in the Champions League will be the main aim. I think it is for all the clubs in the Premier League.
“For financial reasons it’s so important but it’s also the biggest competition for players individually at club level.
“Everyone wants to be involved in it, we’ve had some fantastic nights at Anfield over the years in the competition and we all want to see those nights return.”
The midfielder feels that the high expectations of qualifying for the Champions League is not out of reach if the club continues to showcase the same fighting spirit as they did at the end of the season and feels that the club is strong enough to compete with the best, but admitted that the squad needs some strengthening and needs to work hard to achieve such a lofty aim.
Gerrard stated “We just need to continue what we’ve been doing during the last six months. Hopefully we’ll add some more players to strengthen the squad and then we need to compete.”
“We are good enough to beat anyone on our day; we just need to find the consistency to challenge for honours.”
The England International also spoke about his fitness saying that he is working hard to get back to fitness level. The midfielder missed out at the end of the last season after suffering a groin injury back in March but he is quite confident of being fit in July, in time for the pre-season friendlies.
Gerrard further added “I’ve had it sorted with surgery and hopefully next year I’ll be fit and available after a good rest, with a brand new groin and ready to push on under Kenny.”
“I’m due to come back after 12 weeks, so it’ll be around when the lads return on 4/5 July.”
“Then I’ve got six weeks of pre-season to get match fit, so by the time the league starts I’m hoping to be in good shape.”
With the arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, the Merseyside squad looks in good shape to fight for the top flight. Some few signings will add to the strength and with the return of Steven Gerrard, everything seems good and settled at the Anfield.
Tags: Champions League, England, Football, Kenny Daglish, Liverpool, Skipper, Steven Gerrard
