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. 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.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.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.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."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."I'm sure he (Benitez) is already working on what part of the team needs strengthening."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.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."Gerrard believes Liverpool - who finished on 86 points - deserve credit for almost toppling United."You look at the points tally, we finished the season with 86 points. Usually that is enough to be crowned worthy champions," he added."Manchester United have played at a fantastic standard this year and unfortunately we have finished runners-up."

Source: SKY_Sports