Source: SKY_Sports
Gerrard - Reds closing the gap
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are only 'two or three' players short of the level of Premier League champions Manchester United.[LNB] The Reds skipper and his team-mates finished runners-up to their North West rivals this season as Sir Alex Ferguson's side clinched the title by four points.[LNB]But Gerrard feels that, with a little fine tuning, UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists Liverpool will be capable of challenging on all fronts in 2009/10.[LNB]The England international thinks boss Rafa Benitez, who has been linked with a big-money move for Carlos Tevez, will already be plotting potential signings to close the gap on the strength in depth of United and third-placed Chelsea.[LNB]Big trophies"We are very close. I'm sure the manager will want to strengthen the team and the squad a little bit over the summer," he told Sky Sports News.[LNB]"I don't think there are many changes that are needed. But we need to freshen up, like all the teams do. I feel as if we can fight for all the big trophies next season.[LNB]"I'm sure he (Benitez) is already working on what part of the team needs strengthening.[LNB]"I think, if you look at Manchester United's squad and Chelsea's squad, you look how strong their benches are and how strong players are that are not even making their eighteens.[LNB]Credit"I think we are just a little bit off that at the moment. Maybe two or three players from having a squad on a level with those two. I feel that is how close we are."[LNB]Gerrard believes Liverpool - who finished on 86 points - deserve credit for almost toppling United.[LNB]"You look at the points tally, we finished the season with 86 points. Usually that is enough to be crowned worthy champions," he added.[LNB]"Manchester United have played at a fantastic standard this year and unfortunately we have finished runners-up."[LNB]
