Source: Liverpool_Echo
Steven Gerrard is not distracted by England and the World Cup - Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez on Steven Gerrard: Echo exclusive[LNB]FIRST came the admission, then came show of support; if Steven Gerrard felt compelled to question his own form, Rafa Benitez is just as confident it is ready to change.[LNB]For the past couple of months, perhaps the hottest topic of debate among match going Liverpool supporters has been the way the club's captain has both performed - and acted - on the pitch.[LNB]A return of nine goals, for example, is way below par for the tally Gerrard could usually expect to have at this stage of the campaign, while his reluctance to shoot from distance - something for which he has been famed - has been noticeable.[LNB]Just as worrying, however, have been the gestures aimed at players such as Dirk Kuyt and Lucas whenever possession has gone begging, the way in which he has scrunched his face or berated them suggests his patience has worn thin.[LNB]That, not surprisingly, has led some to come up with a theory that, as he approaches his 30th birthday, Gerrard is saving himself for the jamboree which will take place in South Africa this summer; the World Cup, they claim, is the only thing on his mind.[LNB] Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version ofMacromedia's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.It is, in truth, nonsense. Gerrard wants Liverpool to succeed so badly that it almost hurts and though he might not make the world's best poker player - you don't need to be a body language expert to pick up on his mood - his effort can hardly be questioned.[LNB]With that in mind, then, Benitez has aired his views on the subject. Ahead of tomorrow's tussle with Sunderland, a game Liverpool must win to keep hopes of Champions League qualification alive, he is predicting a change in fortunes - for both player and team.[LNB]Rubbishing the idea he would place country ahead of club, particularly when the stakes are so high, Benitez revealed a discussion at Melwood with his skipper earlier this week gave him reason for great encouragement that the Gerrard of old is ready to emerge.[LNB]'It is important for everyone who wears our shirt - especially the captain - to be positive, to push the other players and be a leader by example,' said Benitez. 'I think that is the way and Steven knows that is the way, too.
