Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Gerrard Sets Sights On Trophies

Steven Gerrard admits he would like nothing more than to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season, but insists that a top-four finish will not be Liverpool's sole focus this year.

The Reds captain, who recently returned from a prolonged spell on the sidelines at Anfield, believes that winning some silverware this year is just as important as securing a return to Europe's elite competition.

"Getting back in the top four is a priority, but I wouldn't say it's our only priority," Gerrard told LFC Magazine. "Bringing those European nights back to Anfield is what we all want.

"Some of the best nights of my career have been in the Champions League and I want to experience a few more before I eventually hang up my boots.

"It's difficult to watch it on TV on a Tuesday or Wednesday night knowing we are not involved. Everyone here is striving to get back there and the sooner it happens the better."

As Liverpool prepare for a midweek Carling Cup encounter with Stoke City, Gerrard reiterated the club's desire to improve on all fronts this term, and is targeting progression to the quarter finals.

"At the same time it's about trophies for me and I see the FA Cup and Carling Cup as also being very important," he continued. "Because we are only involved in three competitions we have to focus on all of them.

"There is no European football so you can afford to focus more on the Carling Cup. We haven't done well in any of the cups domestically since 2006.

"It's time we gave the fans a bit of excitement again. They deserve it and there would be nothing better than going to Wembley. That would be fantastic for everyone."

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