Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard focusing on Champions League qualification next season

10 December 2009 08:08
Liverpool lose to Fiorentina 300[LNB]STEVEN GERRARD today promised Liverpool will atone for their Champions League debacle by making sure they qualify for next year's tournament.[LNB]A makeshift Reds' side created an unwanted piece of club history last night when a 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina meant it was the first time they had sustained back-to-back European defeats at Anfield.[LNB]It was a gloomy end to a miserable European campaign and one that means they will not be seeded when the draw for the Europa League's round of 32 takes place in Nyon a week tomorrow.[LNB]Skipper Gerrard admitted Liverpool haven't been good enough but he is confident a squad which now has star striker Fernando Torres fit again and Alberto Aquilani up and running can salvage the situation - starting against Arsenal on Sunday.[LNB]'Financially it is very important for the club and having experienced the Champions League for such a long time, I'm desperate to play in it,' said Gerrard.[LNB]'We had gone six games unbeaten and it was a shame that we lost this one at the end because we wanted to use it as preparation for Sunday.[LNB]'But we will be right up for Arsenal; if we can get three points there and take it into the Wigan game, I'm sure we can turn that corner.[LNB]'If we get our full strength team back and get important people fit, I feel as if we are good enough to get into the top four.[LNB]'It's massive to have Fernando back; he's our top scorer, he's our main man and if he stays fit, I'm sure we will move up the league and get in the top four.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo