Before every kick-off, the Kop launch into celebrated song about the support system operating within the four walls of their famous old ground. So it is little surprise to observe the Anfield family wrapping their arms tenderly around Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool's captain is being reminded how highly he is regarded by all at Anfield. The supportive call from his manager, Rafael Benitez, came through on Tuesday morning followed by an emphatic statement of support from the club. On Wednesday it will be the squad's turn to express their admiration for their team-mate, leader, inspiration and friend.
When Gerrard arrives at training at Melwood, the likes of Jamie Carragher will show the No 8 how much he is held in their esteem. Benitez's back-room staff will also rally round, Sammy Lee doubtless delivering a few crisp words of encouragement. At Preston North End on Saturday, Liverpool fans will get their chance to voice their love for the team's heartbeat.
Everyone associated with Liverpool will give their backing to Gerrard as the judicial process unfolds over his assault charge. Amid all the chants from Liverpool fans and sympathetic comments from colleagues, what Gerrard needs to hear most now is a referee's whistle, signalling the start of a match, the chance to prove a point and remind the world of his ability.
Early in his career, when distracted by events off the field, a Merseysider given to introspection would retreat into his shell on the pitch, most notably during England's epic draw with Greece at Old Trafford.
Now 28, Gerrard possesses the mental strength to sprint out of the tunnel and continue to impose his phenomenal game on proceedings.
So if Benitez is tempted to rest his captain at Deepdale this weekend, arguing that it is only the FA Cup, that more important challenges lie ahead in the Premier League and Champions League, then Liverpool's manager should think again.
The Cup offers Gerrard real respite, not just this Saturday, but, if Liverpool defeat Preston, over the weekend immediately following his appearance before North Sefton Magistrates' Court on Friday, Jan 23.
His main aim is to guide Liverpool to a first title in 19 years but the Cup comes at a very important time. Gerrard has been playing so well this season and he needs to maintain this run of prodigious form.
The Cup has provided sweet solace before, notably during the 2001 treble and particularly the 2006 final when Gerrard broke West Ham United hearts at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
So he must slip on that No 8 kit at Deepdale on Saturday evening, tie up his laces, glance momentarily at the names of his two beloved daughters woven into his boots and take on Preston.
Benitez has rotated his many squad options before when the Cup comes around. He must desist this time. Gerrard must be allowed to parade his determination as well as his talent in front of a packed stadium, a watching nation and a substantial global television audience.
Football is Gerrard's stage and to keep him in the wings would frustrate one of the game's hungriest performers. And why deny the fans the sight of Gerrard?
Walking into St James' Park on Sunday, I fell into conversation with a Newcastle United supporter heading towards the Gallowgate with his son.
They were there to cheer on the Toon, more out of love-is-blind loyalty than expectation of black-and-white success, but the father was also keen to show his son one of the greats of the modern game in action. After two goals in a typically dynamic display, Gerrard left the field to a lengthy standing ovation from home fans as well as visiting ones.
Liverpool's captain is widely admired across the country, barring obvious pockets of hostility such as Old Trafford, and the desire to see one of England's premier stars has been intensified by the Football Association's decision to tether the national team to Wembley after the popular travelling roadshow.
As he heads to Melwood on Wednesday morning, Gerrard should remember the acclaim of the Newcastle fans, reminding himself of his qualities, and inform Benitez that he is ready for duty against Preston. This is no time to let Gerrard walk alone.
Liverpool's captain is being reminded how highly he is regarded by all at Anfield. The supportive call from his manager, Rafael Benitez, came through on Tuesday morning followed by an emphatic statement of support from the club. On Wednesday it will be the squad's turn to express their admiration for their team-mate, leader, inspiration and friend.
When Gerrard arrives at training at Melwood, the likes of Jamie Carragher will show the No 8 how much he is held in their esteem. Benitez's back-room staff will also rally round, Sammy Lee doubtless delivering a few crisp words of encouragement. At Preston North End on Saturday, Liverpool fans will get their chance to voice their love for the team's heartbeat.
Everyone associated with Liverpool will give their backing to Gerrard as the judicial process unfolds over his assault charge. Amid all the chants from Liverpool fans and sympathetic comments from colleagues, what Gerrard needs to hear most now is a referee's whistle, signalling the start of a match, the chance to prove a point and remind the world of his ability.
Early in his career, when distracted by events off the field, a Merseysider given to introspection would retreat into his shell on the pitch, most notably during England's epic draw with Greece at Old Trafford.
Now 28, Gerrard possesses the mental strength to sprint out of the tunnel and continue to impose his phenomenal game on proceedings.
So if Benitez is tempted to rest his captain at Deepdale this weekend, arguing that it is only the FA Cup, that more important challenges lie ahead in the Premier League and Champions League, then Liverpool's manager should think again.
The Cup offers Gerrard real respite, not just this Saturday, but, if Liverpool defeat Preston, over the weekend immediately following his appearance before North Sefton Magistrates' Court on Friday, Jan 23.
His main aim is to guide Liverpool to a first title in 19 years but the Cup comes at a very important time. Gerrard has been playing so well this season and he needs to maintain this run of prodigious form.
The Cup has provided sweet solace before, notably during the 2001 treble and particularly the 2006 final when Gerrard broke West Ham United hearts at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
So he must slip on that No 8 kit at Deepdale on Saturday evening, tie up his laces, glance momentarily at the names of his two beloved daughters woven into his boots and take on Preston.
Benitez has rotated his many squad options before when the Cup comes around. He must desist this time. Gerrard must be allowed to parade his determination as well as his talent in front of a packed stadium, a watching nation and a substantial global television audience.
Football is Gerrard's stage and to keep him in the wings would frustrate one of the game's hungriest performers. And why deny the fans the sight of Gerrard?
Walking into St James' Park on Sunday, I fell into conversation with a Newcastle United supporter heading towards the Gallowgate with his son.
They were there to cheer on the Toon, more out of love-is-blind loyalty than expectation of black-and-white success, but the father was also keen to show his son one of the greats of the modern game in action. After two goals in a typically dynamic display, Gerrard left the field to a lengthy standing ovation from home fans as well as visiting ones.
Liverpool's captain is widely admired across the country, barring obvious pockets of hostility such as Old Trafford, and the desire to see one of England's premier stars has been intensified by the Football Association's decision to tether the national team to Wembley after the popular travelling roadshow.
As he heads to Melwood on Wednesday morning, Gerrard should remember the acclaim of the Newcastle fans, reminding himself of his qualities, and inform Benitez that he is ready for duty against Preston. This is no time to let Gerrard walk alone.
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