A good read...mentions 1 or 2 big name signings to come (defender/attacker)?
Luis Suarez must stay loyal to boost Liverpool's chase for Champions League football, says Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard’s loyalty to Liverpool will be celebrated on Saturday with a sold-out testimonial against Olympiakos at Anfield with the £1 million proceeds going to charity.
One-club man: Steven Gerrard made his Liverpool debut 15 years ago Photo: PAUL GROVER
Many eyes will be on Luis Suárez, the unsettled striker coveted byArsenal, but Gerrard hopes he can convince “the best footballer I’ve ever played with” to stay loyal, helping him to chase Champions League football.
“I’d say to Luis: ‘Give it one more year, see if we can achieve that’,’’ Liverpool’s captain said.
Gerrard also wants Liverpool to invest heavily in a world-class defender and attacker. “This club needs to make one or two big signings if we are to compete for the top four – and keep Suárez.
"Alongside Gareth Bale, Luis is the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luis and Bale are the two hottest properties out there at the moment.
"When you’re in that position, you’re going to get all kinds of teams wanting to pull you away, especially when you are at a club not in the Champions League. It’s nothing to do with the British media [criticising Suárez]. Knowing the guy as I do that’s probably the thing on his mind: wanting to be in the Champions League.’’
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“If Luis experiences Champions League football here he’ll love it. They’ll be some of the best nights in his career. To play Champions League football in front of our fans is special. It’s an awful lot bigger than doing it at other clubs.
"I don’t think Arsenal is a step up. Us, Arsenal and Tottenham are fighting for one of the Champions League places. In an ideal scenario we keep Suárez, make one or two more signings and Tottenham lose Bale.
“Of course, we’re slightly behind the big three [Manchester United,Manchester City and Chelsea], who are powerhouses at the moment.
I don’t want to disrespect Arsenal. They’re a wonderful club with a manager who I’ve an awful amount of respect for and they have talented players throughout the team. But so have we. We’ve got just as good a chance of achieving things as Arsenal have.’’
Gerrard has been impressed with Brendan Rodgers’s summer signings, particularly Simon Mignolet.
“The keeper’s been superb. He’s made some unbelievable stops in training. To fill Pepe Reina’s shoes is going to be a big challenge because Pepe is world class. I’ve liked what I’ve seen of Simon so far.
"With the two Spanish boys [Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto] it’s going to take a bit of time, they’re young, learning the language, and it’s a big change for them culture-wise, but they’ve certainly strengthened the squad because they have ability.
"Kolo [Touré] has come in and done well: he’s a leader, very vocal, experienced. Maybe we do need one more defender who can play all across the back.
“We need that one exciting marquee signing who can play in one of the attacking positions [working with Suárez]. That’s why we are talking along the lines of keeping Luis because if the club lose Luis we take a step backwards. He’s the best footballer I’ve ever played with.
"Internationally, Rooney, Scholes, Lampard are all top players. John Terry and Rio Ferdinand at the back, all world-class footballers. Suarez is on a different planet to most footballers.’’
As for Suárez’s assorted misdemeanours, Gerrard said: “Luis has come out and apologised for what he’s done in the past. He’s serving his punishment, getting on with it. Everyone knows it wasn’t good what he did. For me, around the place, he’s fine, absolutely no problem.’’
The chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Gordon Taylor, spoke this week about the need for the errant members of his union to be more professional.
“There will always be certain individuals who let the game down and unfortunately everyone gets tarnished with the same brush,” said Gerrard.
“There are tons of good people in football who do an awful lot of good things on the pitch and also off it. A close mate of mine, Jamie [Carragher], has his own foundation; he’s done tons across this city. Craig Bellamy does stuff. So does Didier Drogba.
"There’s the England Footballers’ Foundation. The players get asked to do hours and hours of work, spend time with kids, and they do it without complaining. The effect that has on the children is unbelievable. Not much gets mentioned. We don’t want credit.
A lot of people say that footballers are not good people. I disagree.’’ Gerrard has his own foundation helping disadvantaged children.
“We’ve been helping keep certain charities above water, helping individuals in need. We need to make a decision after the testimonial when we get the big money in. Alder Hey is one of the biggest children’s hospitals in the country. It would be nice to add to what’s already there.’’
Now 33, the Huyton-born Gerrard remains grounded. “It helps where I come from. I’m a council-estate boy. I’ve got family and friends around me. They wouldn’t let me take my feet off the ground.’’
He made his debut against Blackburn Rovers 15 years ago. “It’s gone in a blur. It’s been a journey full of highs and lows. I’ve got loads of regrets with Liverpool: the Champions League final in 2007, the 2012 FA Cup final against Chelsea, an own goal against Chelsea in the 2005 Carling Cup final.
"But the bad memories help you strive for good times. I’m totally proud of the career I’ve had so far.
“I cherish every moment. I know sooner rather than later I’ll be sitting here, and my boots will be hung up, and I won’t be going on a football pitch again. It does scare me because I love it so much. I’m more hungry now. I’ve got more of a buzz for this coming season than I’ve had before. I realise there will not be many left.’’
Carragher has retired. “Jamie had a fantastic career. It’s been a strange pre-season without Jamie. Not hearing his voice around. I’m really close to him. I’ve got to move on without him.’’
Will two such home-grown loyal players emerge again? “It’ll be rare. But of course it will happen again. Maybe not at this club for a while. It’ll certainly happen at other clubs. A lot of clubs are putting a lot of time and money to make sure the academies work.
"It’s different now for kids. They have so much more going on in their lives. I didn’t have Twitter or Facebook, PlayStation, iPads, iPhones [as an aspiring footballer]. I didn’t even have a mobile phone. It does distract some of them but it won’t stop top players coming through. With the right guidance and coaching we can still get top players through.
“We’ve had a few disappointing tournaments [with England] which are fresh in everyone’s memory, so it’s easy to say ‘there are problems from top to bottom’ and ‘English football’s in a state’. Hopefully in the not too distant future we can change that round, do well and prove to people that English football is going in the right direction.’’
England’s captain takes particular encouragement from Jack Wilshere. “He’s a fighter, got a good attitude and his talent excites me. I’ve never really had a run of games in the England team with him. Hopefully that will happen this season.
"With everyone fit and available I’m confident we can qualify for this World Cup. For me this is last-chance saloon to try and have some more good memories with England.”
He believes good times could also come under Rodgers. “He’s a good guy, down to earth, his man-management skills are fantastic. The atmosphere and the team spirit he creates are really healthy and positive.
"If you look at our form after Christmas, once Brendan settled in, it was really positive and that’s what gives me belief going forward. We have regular chats. We have a really good relationship.”
Talking of managers, Gerrard smiles at the mention of Jose Mourinho’s return. “I love Jose. I love him as a manager. I love what he brings to the English game. I love watching his interviews.
"When we’ve played against Chelsea I’ve managed to have a couple of conversations with him and he’s a top guy. I’m a big fan, but from a biased point of view I’m not too happy he’s back – Chelsea are one of the favourites for the league.
I know they had issues with managers at certain times over the last 12 months but now it looks as if they’re going to be really settled again under Jose. Everyone knows he’s a winner.
“I don’t think anyone will run away with the league. As a Liverpool fan and captain I hope Manchester United have a little bit of a wobble. But I think they’ll be fine.
"They have too many big players, top players, too many important people at the club, for them to have too big a wobble. I don’t think they’ll have it as easy as last year. The clubs just outside the Champions League are going to push the big teams all the way.’’
As for Joey Barton’s possible arrival at Everton, Gerrard said: “I like Joey as a player. He’ll strengthen Everton and certainly add a bit more spice to the Derby. If that happens it will certainly be a game I look forward to even more.” Especially if Suárez stays.
Luis Suarez must stay loyal to boost Liverpool's chase for Champions League football, says Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard’s loyalty to Liverpool will be celebrated on Saturday with a sold-out testimonial against Olympiakos at Anfield with the £1 million proceeds going to charity.
One-club man: Steven Gerrard made his Liverpool debut 15 years ago Photo: PAUL GROVER
By Henry Winter
11:00PM BST 31 Jul 2013
Many eyes will be on Luis Suárez, the unsettled striker coveted byArsenal, but Gerrard hopes he can convince “the best footballer I’ve ever played with” to stay loyal, helping him to chase Champions League football.
“I’d say to Luis: ‘Give it one more year, see if we can achieve that’,’’ Liverpool’s captain said.
Gerrard also wants Liverpool to invest heavily in a world-class defender and attacker. “This club needs to make one or two big signings if we are to compete for the top four – and keep Suárez.
"Alongside Gareth Bale, Luis is the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luis and Bale are the two hottest properties out there at the moment.
"When you’re in that position, you’re going to get all kinds of teams wanting to pull you away, especially when you are at a club not in the Champions League. It’s nothing to do with the British media [criticising Suárez]. Knowing the guy as I do that’s probably the thing on his mind: wanting to be in the Champions League.’’
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29 Jul 2013
“If Luis experiences Champions League football here he’ll love it. They’ll be some of the best nights in his career. To play Champions League football in front of our fans is special. It’s an awful lot bigger than doing it at other clubs.
"I don’t think Arsenal is a step up. Us, Arsenal and Tottenham are fighting for one of the Champions League places. In an ideal scenario we keep Suárez, make one or two more signings and Tottenham lose Bale.
“Of course, we’re slightly behind the big three [Manchester United,Manchester City and Chelsea], who are powerhouses at the moment.
I don’t want to disrespect Arsenal. They’re a wonderful club with a manager who I’ve an awful amount of respect for and they have talented players throughout the team. But so have we. We’ve got just as good a chance of achieving things as Arsenal have.’’
Gerrard has been impressed with Brendan Rodgers’s summer signings, particularly Simon Mignolet.
“The keeper’s been superb. He’s made some unbelievable stops in training. To fill Pepe Reina’s shoes is going to be a big challenge because Pepe is world class. I’ve liked what I’ve seen of Simon so far.
"With the two Spanish boys [Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto] it’s going to take a bit of time, they’re young, learning the language, and it’s a big change for them culture-wise, but they’ve certainly strengthened the squad because they have ability.
"Kolo [Touré] has come in and done well: he’s a leader, very vocal, experienced. Maybe we do need one more defender who can play all across the back.
“We need that one exciting marquee signing who can play in one of the attacking positions [working with Suárez]. That’s why we are talking along the lines of keeping Luis because if the club lose Luis we take a step backwards. He’s the best footballer I’ve ever played with.
"Internationally, Rooney, Scholes, Lampard are all top players. John Terry and Rio Ferdinand at the back, all world-class footballers. Suarez is on a different planet to most footballers.’’
As for Suárez’s assorted misdemeanours, Gerrard said: “Luis has come out and apologised for what he’s done in the past. He’s serving his punishment, getting on with it. Everyone knows it wasn’t good what he did. For me, around the place, he’s fine, absolutely no problem.’’
The chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Gordon Taylor, spoke this week about the need for the errant members of his union to be more professional.
“There will always be certain individuals who let the game down and unfortunately everyone gets tarnished with the same brush,” said Gerrard.
“There are tons of good people in football who do an awful lot of good things on the pitch and also off it. A close mate of mine, Jamie [Carragher], has his own foundation; he’s done tons across this city. Craig Bellamy does stuff. So does Didier Drogba.
"There’s the England Footballers’ Foundation. The players get asked to do hours and hours of work, spend time with kids, and they do it without complaining. The effect that has on the children is unbelievable. Not much gets mentioned. We don’t want credit.
A lot of people say that footballers are not good people. I disagree.’’ Gerrard has his own foundation helping disadvantaged children.
“We’ve been helping keep certain charities above water, helping individuals in need. We need to make a decision after the testimonial when we get the big money in. Alder Hey is one of the biggest children’s hospitals in the country. It would be nice to add to what’s already there.’’
Now 33, the Huyton-born Gerrard remains grounded. “It helps where I come from. I’m a council-estate boy. I’ve got family and friends around me. They wouldn’t let me take my feet off the ground.’’
He made his debut against Blackburn Rovers 15 years ago. “It’s gone in a blur. It’s been a journey full of highs and lows. I’ve got loads of regrets with Liverpool: the Champions League final in 2007, the 2012 FA Cup final against Chelsea, an own goal against Chelsea in the 2005 Carling Cup final.
"But the bad memories help you strive for good times. I’m totally proud of the career I’ve had so far.
“I cherish every moment. I know sooner rather than later I’ll be sitting here, and my boots will be hung up, and I won’t be going on a football pitch again. It does scare me because I love it so much. I’m more hungry now. I’ve got more of a buzz for this coming season than I’ve had before. I realise there will not be many left.’’
Carragher has retired. “Jamie had a fantastic career. It’s been a strange pre-season without Jamie. Not hearing his voice around. I’m really close to him. I’ve got to move on without him.’’
Will two such home-grown loyal players emerge again? “It’ll be rare. But of course it will happen again. Maybe not at this club for a while. It’ll certainly happen at other clubs. A lot of clubs are putting a lot of time and money to make sure the academies work.
"It’s different now for kids. They have so much more going on in their lives. I didn’t have Twitter or Facebook, PlayStation, iPads, iPhones [as an aspiring footballer]. I didn’t even have a mobile phone. It does distract some of them but it won’t stop top players coming through. With the right guidance and coaching we can still get top players through.
“We’ve had a few disappointing tournaments [with England] which are fresh in everyone’s memory, so it’s easy to say ‘there are problems from top to bottom’ and ‘English football’s in a state’. Hopefully in the not too distant future we can change that round, do well and prove to people that English football is going in the right direction.’’
England’s captain takes particular encouragement from Jack Wilshere. “He’s a fighter, got a good attitude and his talent excites me. I’ve never really had a run of games in the England team with him. Hopefully that will happen this season.
"With everyone fit and available I’m confident we can qualify for this World Cup. For me this is last-chance saloon to try and have some more good memories with England.”
He believes good times could also come under Rodgers. “He’s a good guy, down to earth, his man-management skills are fantastic. The atmosphere and the team spirit he creates are really healthy and positive.
"If you look at our form after Christmas, once Brendan settled in, it was really positive and that’s what gives me belief going forward. We have regular chats. We have a really good relationship.”
Talking of managers, Gerrard smiles at the mention of Jose Mourinho’s return. “I love Jose. I love him as a manager. I love what he brings to the English game. I love watching his interviews.
"When we’ve played against Chelsea I’ve managed to have a couple of conversations with him and he’s a top guy. I’m a big fan, but from a biased point of view I’m not too happy he’s back – Chelsea are one of the favourites for the league.
I know they had issues with managers at certain times over the last 12 months but now it looks as if they’re going to be really settled again under Jose. Everyone knows he’s a winner.
“I don’t think anyone will run away with the league. As a Liverpool fan and captain I hope Manchester United have a little bit of a wobble. But I think they’ll be fine.
"They have too many big players, top players, too many important people at the club, for them to have too big a wobble. I don’t think they’ll have it as easy as last year. The clubs just outside the Champions League are going to push the big teams all the way.’’
As for Joey Barton’s possible arrival at Everton, Gerrard said: “I like Joey as a player. He’ll strengthen Everton and certainly add a bit more spice to the Derby. If that happens it will certainly be a game I look forward to even more.” Especially if Suárez stays.
