Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool must ensure they command the headlines for the right reasons after helping the Anfield outfit into the fourth round of the FA Cup last night.
The midfielder netted a hat-trick as Coca-Cola League One outfit Luton Town were overwhelmed 5-0 in their third round replay.
Ryan Babel and Sami Hyypia were also on target to secure Liverpool a home fourth round tie against Swansea City or non-league side Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday week.
Last night’s game came after the admission from the club’s co-owner Tom Hicks that Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached in November with a view to taking over from manager Rafael Benitez.
But Gerrard believes the players are focused on winning games to help ease the uncertainty at Anfield.
“A lot was said in the media about the club so it was important that the headlines were about the football and a good win,” said Gerrard, who now has 15 goals for the season.
“We’re aware of it (the off-field situation), every time we pick up a paper or switch on the TV, so it’s important we stay focused on winning football matches.
“It’s not particularly about the manager, it’s about the team, about progressing into the fourth round, so we’re happy we’ve done that.
“It’s important we keep winning football matches and making sure the only headlines are about football and not what’s happening off the pitch.”
Benitez would not be drawn on the revelations of the past few days, instead choosing to focus on the backing offered to him by the Anfield crowd last night.
“The supporters were amazing as always,” he said. “I was really pleased with them, and I don’t really need to say anything else because they are fantastic.”
Of questions on his future, Benitez added: “I know you must ask about this, but I prefer to enjoy the day; we have won 5-0 and progressed in the FA Cup and had a good day.
“I would like to talk about the performance on the pitch and that means the team is winning games. I am really pleased to be here.”
Gerrard handed over the captain’s armband last night to Jamie Carragher, who was celebrating his 500th appearance for Liverpool.
The two teams formed a guard of honour to welcome the centre-back on to the pitch before the game, with the defender’s son James the Liverpool mascot for the evening.
And Benitez said: “There were celebrations tonight for Carra’s 500th game, but the players were concentrating on doing a professional job and did very well.
“The FA Cup has always been important for us. We will try to progress and win the competition if we can.”
It took Liverpool until the stroke of half-time to break down a stubborn Luton rearguard with Babel’s opener, and Benitez said: “We knew that we needed to score and early goal and open the game up.
“We couldn’t do that and Luton defended well and we had a lot of opportunities, but as soon as we scored the first goal the game opened up and it was easier for us.
“The supporters enjoyed the game. We scored five goals, Carra celebrated his 500th game and Gerrard got a hat-trick, so it was really good.”
After criticism of his team selection in the 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road in the original tie last week, Benitez fielded a strong line-up that included both Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
And the manager explained: “We will play against Villa on Monday so there is plenty of time to rest the players before then. You know my idea is to protect the players and keep them with fresh legs, and we can do that.”
Luton manager Kevin Blackwell admitted his patched-up side were outclassed but he was proud of the way his players performed against a team he feels could win the competition.
He said: “There is no doubt they (Liverpool) have ability in abundance and have done exceptionally well for Rafa. It was an awesome team they put out. Clearly they have done a great job for the manager.”
Blackwell announced last week he would be leaving the cash-strapped club next month, but despite news of a potential deal to safeguard the future of the Hatters, he insisted he had not thought about changing his mind.
He said: “I don’t know what is around the corner.”
The midfielder netted a hat-trick as Coca-Cola League One outfit Luton Town were overwhelmed 5-0 in their third round replay.
Ryan Babel and Sami Hyypia were also on target to secure Liverpool a home fourth round tie against Swansea City or non-league side Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday week.
Last night’s game came after the admission from the club’s co-owner Tom Hicks that Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached in November with a view to taking over from manager Rafael Benitez.
But Gerrard believes the players are focused on winning games to help ease the uncertainty at Anfield.
“A lot was said in the media about the club so it was important that the headlines were about the football and a good win,” said Gerrard, who now has 15 goals for the season.
“We’re aware of it (the off-field situation), every time we pick up a paper or switch on the TV, so it’s important we stay focused on winning football matches.
“It’s not particularly about the manager, it’s about the team, about progressing into the fourth round, so we’re happy we’ve done that.
“It’s important we keep winning football matches and making sure the only headlines are about football and not what’s happening off the pitch.”
Benitez would not be drawn on the revelations of the past few days, instead choosing to focus on the backing offered to him by the Anfield crowd last night.
“The supporters were amazing as always,” he said. “I was really pleased with them, and I don’t really need to say anything else because they are fantastic.”
Of questions on his future, Benitez added: “I know you must ask about this, but I prefer to enjoy the day; we have won 5-0 and progressed in the FA Cup and had a good day.
“I would like to talk about the performance on the pitch and that means the team is winning games. I am really pleased to be here.”
Gerrard handed over the captain’s armband last night to Jamie Carragher, who was celebrating his 500th appearance for Liverpool.
The two teams formed a guard of honour to welcome the centre-back on to the pitch before the game, with the defender’s son James the Liverpool mascot for the evening.
And Benitez said: “There were celebrations tonight for Carra’s 500th game, but the players were concentrating on doing a professional job and did very well.
“The FA Cup has always been important for us. We will try to progress and win the competition if we can.”
It took Liverpool until the stroke of half-time to break down a stubborn Luton rearguard with Babel’s opener, and Benitez said: “We knew that we needed to score and early goal and open the game up.
“We couldn’t do that and Luton defended well and we had a lot of opportunities, but as soon as we scored the first goal the game opened up and it was easier for us.
“The supporters enjoyed the game. We scored five goals, Carra celebrated his 500th game and Gerrard got a hat-trick, so it was really good.”
After criticism of his team selection in the 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road in the original tie last week, Benitez fielded a strong line-up that included both Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
And the manager explained: “We will play against Villa on Monday so there is plenty of time to rest the players before then. You know my idea is to protect the players and keep them with fresh legs, and we can do that.”
Luton manager Kevin Blackwell admitted his patched-up side were outclassed but he was proud of the way his players performed against a team he feels could win the competition.
He said: “There is no doubt they (Liverpool) have ability in abundance and have done exceptionally well for Rafa. It was an awesome team they put out. Clearly they have done a great job for the manager.”
Blackwell announced last week he would be leaving the cash-strapped club next month, but despite news of a potential deal to safeguard the future of the Hatters, he insisted he had not thought about changing his mind.
He said: “I don’t know what is around the corner.”
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