Gerrard: I won't give up on Reds title dream

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spor...steven-gerrard-still-dreams-liverpool-6181333

Steven Gerrard is refusing to give up hope of one day winning the Premier League title with Liverpool FC.

But the Reds’ captain says the team should just be aiming to get back in the Champions League this season – and finishing above Everton.

Gerrard will skipper England in Tuesday night in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Poland at Wembley.

Victory for the Three Lions will book their place in Brazil next summer as Group H winners.

Gerrard will then re-join the Liverpool squad as they begin preparations for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United.

Brendan Rodgers’ men are second in the table, level on points with Arsenal after seven games.

But Gerrard has played down Liverpool’s chances of winning the title and says they must focus on getting back into Europe’s elite club competition – while also finishing above the Blues for the first time since 2011.

“I am the captain of my boyhood team,” Gerrard said.

“I have a special relationship with staff and supporters. There is a bond there. I’ve never made decisions financially. I make them with my heart – and that’s why I haven’t moved on.

“My only regrets are the times I’ve had lows at Liverpool.

“You’re letting the fans down. That’s hard. You’ve let people down. But I find I have learned more from the lows. The feelings the fans go through at the end of a match – I feel them too.

“There’s a lot at stake every time I pull on a shirt for Liverpool.

“I’d never say never about our *chances of winning the Premier League title. But if I’m being honest, that’s not the aim.

“The aim is for a top-four place – and to finish above Everton.”

England are just a win away from securing a place at the 2014 World Cup and Gerrard says Friday night’s 3-1 win over Montenegro has given the squad a real boost.

But the Liverpool legend has been quick to remind the squad that there remains work to be done.

“The result will give us a huge lift and it’s good for confidence going into the final game,” Gerrard said.

“But the message is that the job’s half done. Poland are a very good team. They’re going to come and do us no favours, like Montenegro, and try to make it really difficult for us.

“It’s important that we perform to the same level as on Friday night.”

England were locked 0-0 at half-time on Friday night at Wembley but second half goals from Wayne Rooney, Andros Townsend and Reds striker Daniel Sturridge saw them to victory.

But Gerrard has revealed that the England team were unsettled by news that Group rivals Ukraine had already beaten Poland to go top.

“We did know the result and it wasn’t helpful,” Gerrard said.

“The rumours were circulating which added that little bit more pressure. I said earlier in the week it was going to be a pressure situation. It’s that critical stage in qualifying now and we took it on the chin. We accepted responsibility and we produced.”

 

unfortunately I don't think he will add a title to complete his club set, he's got 2years left if that and I don't see us seriously challenging for the title in that time. great servant and the best Liverpool player I've witnessed with my own eyes.

 

Stranger things have happened and I would be very concerned if he had given up on this whilst still playing!

 

Are you a wum? This year is our year!

 

Would be the most fitting end to his career if he lifts it in his last year before retirement. Man Utd players managed to lift their performances for the most hated man in world football in his last season, hopefully our players will do the same for a much better person.

 

He's clearly been around Rodgers too long

 

Well that's Saturday ****ed

 

Highly unlikely sadly.

Good time to manage Stevie though.

"You haven't got much longer so if you want better you have to perform at your absolute maximum".

 

I'd say this wasn't the best time to be his manager. As a youngster, he wasn't expected to play every game. In his prime, he was the best so was a great asset to have. Now, he is already a club legend but his abilities/impact/presence is in decline. Managing now means you are the one that has to gradually remove him from the team.

 

True. Motivating him shouldn't be a problem though.

 

Dark horses in this campaign, Liverpool and Tottenham who knows?.

 

I think that is a variance too. Considering some of the sides he has played in, I'm sure it would take some motivating if he was lined up alongside players such as Biscan and Traore again

#intentionalnaming

 

Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, City, Us...

5 teams could realistically aim for the title this year... of those 5 we're probably least likely... but we do have a chance... albeit a small one.

Then you have the next tier of teams... Southampton, Everton, Newcastle and Midtable United. You can't completely rule them out of a top 4 finish... maybe even threaten for silverware.

 

Tottenham dark horses? They've spent over a 100m. If they aren't up there then it should be considered a failure for them.

 

To be fair though 80mill of that came from selling Mr. Big Nipples.