Gerrard: Rafa will strengthen
01 May 2008 - 13:45:50
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard expects manager Rafael Benitez to strengthen his squad following their failure to reach the Champions League Final.
The Reds lost a thrilling semi-final second leg 3-2 to Chelsea on Wednesday evening to exit the competition by a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
With Europe went the club's last remaining chance of silverware this season and a disappointed Gerrard believes Benitez will once again look to strengthen his squad during the summer months.
"There is no point in looking back or thinking of what might have been," he told the club's official website.
"We have to look forward because we have to go into next season looking to improve again.
"Hopefully, we will go into next season with a stronger squad because that could make a big difference, particularly when we're playing in games like last night's.
"And if we can bottle the disappointment we're feeling right now it could be a big motivation for us."
Meanwhile, Gerrard revealed he was proud of his team-mates despite their failure to book a place in the final in Moscow after their extra-time defeat.
"Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and admit it wasn't your night," he continued.
"We gave it absolutely everything and I was as proud to be captain of the team last night as I have ever been.
"Even after going behind we kept on fighting and looking to get back into the game and when we managed to do that it looked like we could even go on and win it.
"Like I said, it wasn't to be, but it wasn't for a lack of effort. You have to give Chelsea credit, they are a good side - you don't get through to European Cup finals unless you are."