Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
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Benitez stands by Gerrard

01 Mar 2008 - 10:06:35

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez says that Reds captain Steven Gerrard remains 100 per cent committed to the Anfield cause.

Gerrard had spoken of his disappointment at his side's failure to mount a Premier League title challenge, saying that even success in the Champions League would not satisfy him.

However, Benitez says he understands what his midfield powerhouse meant in an interview with the club's official magazine.

He commented: "My relationship with Steven is very good, I was talking with him before training after reading his interview in our magazine. It was clear what he was saying and everybody feels the same way.

"We must progress in the Champions League and Steven has told me how amazing it was to win it and how important that medal is to him.

"Now he wants to win the Champions League and to finish fourth in the league.

"Steven knows he has my total support and I know that his commitment to the club is 100 per cent. He says he is concentrating on winning the Champions League.

"We are professionals and everyone knows how important it is to finish in the top four. Many of the players have been at the club for many years, so they know what the requirements are now.

"We have to be in Europe, we have to be in the Champions League. For me the best football memory of my life is winning in Istanbul and the team feel the same."