Friday, February 19, 2010

Liverpool FC's Steven Gerrard Targets Europa League Record


Steven Gerrard has vowed to attempt to win Europa League, making Liverpool the first side to lift the trophy four times.

The Reds enjoyed spells as winners of the cup, formerly known as the UEFA Cup, in 1973, 1976 and 2001; when Gerrard scored in an enthralling final with Deportivo Alaves.

Only Inter Milan and Juventus, who dropped into the Europa League following their Champions League group stage elimination, have equalled the Anfield club's tally in the tournament but Gerrard believes that Rafael Benitez's side can become the leading winners with four crowns.

He said: "Anyone who underestimates the Europa League is not for me because I've lifted the UEFA Cup before. It's a special trophy, and was a superb final. Hopefully we can experience the same feeling this season.

"I've always found in Europe that Liverpool have more problems against less well-known teams because of the surprise factor.

"To play Liverpool is a big game for Unirea and they'll be looking for a big upset and will be very dangerous, but Rafa will make sure that the team is prepared."

Speaking ahead of tonight's clash with Unirea Urziceni, Gerrard warned that Liverpool will not be taking the Romanians lightly following an inconsistent season that sees them battling for fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.

He added: "It's very dangerous to bet against Liverpool [in Europe], especially when our backs are to the wall.

"This season has been inconsistent and hasn't gone to plan. But, for me as captain and for the team, we've got one more trophy to lift. So we'll be giving everything.

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