Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafa Benitez backs Steven Gerrard to put on Reebok classic - Liverpool FC latest
RAFA BENITEZ is backing Steven Gerrard to take out his frustration on Bolton at the Reebok Stadium today.
The Liverpool skipper endured a night to forget in Monday's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa but the manager is confident he will play a starring role in getting the Reds' title challenge back on track.
Benitez said: 'Maybe Steven has had one or two games not up to his best level. But people only see a difference because he was playing so well before.
'Players are not stupid. They know when they are playing well and when they are not playing at the same level.
'Steven is one of our big names and a key player. He will continue to be that.
'I know he will be ready. He knows and everyone knows here that we have to improve.'
Benitez has held a lengthy inquest to what went wrong against Villa and is demanding his players show more composure against Gary Megson's side.
'We were a little bit nervous when we were losing against Villa and we needed to have more control,' he said.
'We gave the ball away too much and because they were well organised and deep it was difficult to find space.
'Mentally, the second goal just before half-time was a big problem.
'The second half was much better and we were improving but after the penalty it was more difficult. We have to be more calm.'
