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GERRARD: IT’S
TIME FOR A TITLE CHALLENGE |
16 AUG 2008 |
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Source:
liverpoolfc.tv
Steven Gerrard has issued a rallying call to his team-mates on
the opening day of the new league campaign and insisted a
title challenge is a must this season.
Liverpool kick-off their season at Sunderland later this
afternoon with hopes high that this could finally be the year
when the Reds end their long wait for title glory.
But Gerrard insists that first and foremost the challenge is
to keep pace with the top teams and get fully involved in the
race for top spot come May.
"We closed the gap last season and we finished in the top four
again so that shows that we're not that far away," said
Gerrard.
"But it's not about closing the gap any more, it's about
getting involved in the title race and staying there.
"That's my aim for this season and it's the aim of the manager
and all the players, there's no question about that.
"If we're going to get involved in the title race then the
first thing we have to do is cut out the silly draws in games
we should win.
"That happened too many times last season and it cost us too
many points.
"If we're perfect against those teams this season then it will
really improve our chances of doing well because not only will
we pick up more points, we will also improve our confidence
for when we take on the top sides.
"I've said many times that I honestly don't think there's much
between us and the other top sides. Whenever we play any of
them we do well and we have outplayed all of them in certain
games but far too often they've managed to nick a sly goal
that has got them the points.
"We need to stop that from happening and look to do it
ourselves because these crucial goals make a massive
difference.
"The likes of United and Chelsea have had an edge in recent
seasons but now we have to show that we can do to them what
they've done to us in the past.
"If we can do that and be perfect against the other teams who
we should be beating then we will have a chance.
"But don't get me wrong, I know it won't be easy. We've made
signings in the summer but the other clubs have strengthened
their squads as well.
"If you look at United, it looks like they're going to pay
well over £20m on another striker and they also offered around
£20m for a winger so let's not kid ourselves, they are
probably going to be stronger again.
"But we believe we are a good side too and if we perform as
well as we can week in week out then I've got no doubt that we
can be involved."
Gerrard admits he dreads the prospect of ending his career
without a title medal to show for his time at the club - but
he is confident the gaping hole in his own personal trophy
collection will be filled.
"It is a massive frustration for me, just as it is for
everyone who loves this club," he said.
"I'm no different to the lads who go to the match every week
in that I desperately want us to be challenging for the title,
and it does hurt me that it hasn't happened for so long.
"But I won't be sulking about it and I won't stop believing
that we can do it because I still believe I'm at the right
club and hopefully it will only be a matter of time before we
get it right.
"Maybe the harsh truth is that I haven't deserved a title
winner's medal up to now, but I've still got five or six years
left in me and I'll be doing everything I can to get one
because that would mean that this great club is back where it
belongs." |
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Copyright @ STEVEN-GERRARD.NET |
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