Gerrard optimistic over Reds

17 October 2011 06:52
iverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the club are in a good position to challenge to regain Champions League status.[LNB] A summer of significant recruitment has added strength and depth to a squad which was lacking in a number of areas over the last couple of seasons.[LNB]Kenny Dalglish's side may have lost twice already this campaign - at Stoke and Tottenham - but a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United at the weekend has given Gerrard, who made his first start in seven months at Anfield on Saturday, renewed confidence about the future.[LNB]The England midfielder scored a free-kick and had it not been for the brilliance of United goalkeeper David de Gea both Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson could have scored late winners in a match the home side probably just edged.[LNB]"We've got to put it into perspective. We were playing probably the best side in the league," said Gerrard.[LNB]"It goes to show how far this team and this squad has come that we're disappointed not to have taken maximum points off Manchester United.[LNB]"We stood up to the test and we've proved we're up there as good as the best in the league.[LNB]"We are really confident we can push on from this game now and put in a real good fight for the top four."[LNB]Gerrard believes significant investment in the playing staff by Fenway Sports Group, who marked their first anniversary in charge on Saturday, is starting to bear fruit.[LNB]"We have improved and are a lot stronger and you sum a side up by how strong your bench is," he added.[LNB]"If you look at our bench against United we had Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson - that goes to show how much stronger we've got over the last couple of years.[LNB]"It is a really big positive when you know you have got big subs coming on and we are really happy with how things are going at the moment.[LNB]"All those players (and other summer signings like Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing) have made our squad an awful lot stronger.[LNB]"There is a mixture of experienced and young and it will take time to settle and produce top form on a consistent basis.[LNB]"But I think there are going to be big things from those players."

Source: Team_Talk