Brendan Rodgers praises Liverpool’s attacking display

Liverpool won at the Brittania stadium in an enthralling encounter which finished 5-3 to the Reds.

Rodgers was keen to praise that attacking play that Liverpool produced, but also wanted to address the problems that Liverpool had at the back.

Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 lead thanks for a own goal from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross and Luis Suarez latching onto a loose back header from Shawcross, but Liverpool were pulled back to 2-2 before half-time thanks to goals from former Reds Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam.

Liverpool then took the 4-2 lead through a penalty from Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez’s 22 goal of the season, Stoke then pulled the game back to 4-3 through Jonathon Walters to make for a agonising finish but Daniel Sturridge on his return scored the goal to finish Stoke off.

The Reds boss told Sky Sports: “I thought they were brilliant. To come here and get five goals and put in the work and the effort is fantastic. I’m delighted for the players.

“We went out in the second half and we went again. That shows the character of the team.

“We spoke briefly afterwards, we made mistakes without being cut open and we need to tidy that up. But we were really exciting going forward.”

Liverpool’s third goal at the Britannia came from the penalty spot, after a contentious decision as Raheem Sterling went down under light contact from Marc Wilson.

Rodgers accepts that his side were slightly fortunate to be given the decision, which infuriated Stoke boss Mark Hughes.

He added: “I thought it was soft. It was one where, if you’re the attacking team, you’re happy to get it.

“I’d call it a ‘Spanish penalty’, one where the attacker goes into the defender – the defender obviously doesn’t get the ball – but the contact puts him over.

“Everyone around us won yesterday. We just have to control our own destiny.”

Steven Gerrard: Premier League glory would top Champions League triumph

Steven Gerrard has claimed that a Premier League winners medal would top Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2005, as Liverpool continue their title bid.

Liverpool are currently sat in fourth place just six points of the league leaders Arsenal, with the Liverpool skipper claiming that this is the closest Premier League title race in years, and it can only help the Reds there first Premier League trophy.

Gerrard helped Liverpool claim Champions League glory in 2005 against AC Milan in one of the best matches of all time as Liverpool came from three goals behind to draw 3-3 and win the game on penalty’s, but it is the prestigious Premier League trophy that Gerrard now craves.

Gerrard has been at Liverpool for 16 and a half years and has yet to win the Premier League, the Liverpool skipper claiming words would not describe his feeling if Liverpool were to become champions.

“[Winning] it scares me really,” Gerrard told Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreves in an exclusive interview.

“I don’t know how I’d handle myself. When I won the Champions League, for the week after, talk about being on cloud nine, all your clichés, it’s even better than that.

“If I could add a Premier League title to my collection it would probably be the best day of my life besides my kids being born; I think it would almost top the Champions League because it’s the one I haven’t got.”

Only one team has finished outside of the top four with 21 wins in a season, that being Tottenham last season, and with Liverpool having 18 games to go and nine wins to reach that target Gerrard sees no reason why Liverpool can’t be in the Champions League next season.

“That gives us hope, I’m confident we can get that amount of wins to get us in the top four but it’s easier said than done,” he added.

“We’ve got some very difficult fixtures coming up but our home form is very good and if we can click away from home, I’m very confident we can get in there.

“If you offered me fourth spot now, yes [I would take it]. The reason I would take it is we’ve been out of the Champions League for so long, the chance to get Champions League football back here at Anfield, I’d snap your hands off.”

Gerrard was forced to miss the busy festive period through injury and admits it was difficult as it would be for any player, but was more disappointed due to Liverpool’s surprise title challenge so far.

“I think any footballer would echo being out is the worst time, you feel out of it, you don’t feel part of the group, it can be lonely when you’re in the gym doing your rehab,” he said.

“To be back in amongst the group and training and I’ve had some minutes, I’m ready to fire now, hopefully I’ll be in from the start.

“It was made worse because of the games I knew I was going to miss, Spurs away, City away, Chelsea away, three of the biggest games you play when you’re fighting for a top four position.

“When I got the scan results I was told four to six weeks initially, so I knew the whole of the Christmas period I wasn’t going to be available, so it was disappointing but even more so because of the games we were playing.”

Liverpool and England skipper believes that Liverpool can benefit from the closest Premier League table in years, starting against Stoke City on Sunday.

“I think the teams in the middle of the Premier League are very strong now, I think the league is improving year-by-year,” he added.

“It gives us a fantastic opportunity to stay in amongst it. If we find some consistency we believe we can take one of the top four places and that was our aim at the beginning of the season.

“I think from positions four down to 14 you’re in for a hell of a game, you’re not guaranteed to take maximum points.”

Gerrard believes that Liverpool’s away form must improve if they are to become genuine title contenders this season under Brendan Rodgers.

“I think the key is always your home form, over the years we’ve dropped silly points at home, teams have come to Anfield with an attitude of ‘we’ve got a chance’; but if you look at our home form under Brendan, it has been very strong and very consistent,” Gerrard said.

“If you get your home form right, then you can build on your away form. Our away form’s been a little bit inconsistent but that’s what we’re working on and if we can get that right we’ll be a force in this league.”

Derby warn it will cost Liverpool 15million to bring in teen sensation Will Hughes

Derby have told Liverpool that it will cost at least 15million for the Midlands club to depart with teen sensation Will Hughes.

Reports also indicate that Derby will want Hughes back on loan for the remainder of the campaign if Liverpool were to meet there valuation of the player.

Hughes is a huge talent and Derby are convinced that the 18 year old’s value will increase if he stays another season in the championship.

The England prospect has been likened to a long term replacement for Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard.

Derby, though, are keen to keep Hughes at the club for another season as Nigel Clough is keen to push Derby higher up the championship table.

Hughes played a stunning 35 games last season for Derby in the Championship at just the age of 17, scoring twice in the process. The 18 year old has played in all of Derby’s fixures so far this campaign as well.

Liverpool team ratings vs Aston Villa

SIMON MIGNOLET- 8

Simon Mignolet has already made himself an instant kop hero with two brilliant displays against Stoke and Aston Villa. Looked much more comfortable in goal after looking a bit nervy last week against Stoke. The Belgium made two brilliant saves to deny Christian Benteke on both occasions with the first being a full stretch save to deny a curling striker from Benteke. His second was in the 86^th minute as Benteke met the ball in the box with a powerful half volley being denied by a brilliant stop from his Belgium colleague.

GLEN JOHNSON- 6

Glen Johnson is always reliable at Liverpool and was again here today. Worked hard all game to nullify the threat from Gabriel Agbonlahor, who was exceptional in his first two games. Didn’t have too many chances to attack the Aston Villa defence, but was a good defensive game from Johnson.

DANIEL AGGER- 7

Daniel Agger had another solid display in this match today as he forges a new partnership alongside Kolo Toure. The Dane put his body on the line a number of times during the match, especially his clash with Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan from a corner. The new vice captain partnership with Kolo Toure goes from strength to strength as they keep another clean sheet with a solid display.

KOLO TOURE- 8

Kolo Toure proved again why Liverpool got him as a free transfer as he put in another brave display for his new team. Toure had the tough task of stopping Christian Benteke, which he did as Benteke rarely threatened during the match. The Ivorian gives Liverpool some height in the box, something they have lacked for a long time.

JOSE ENRIQUE- 6

Jose Enrique claimed the assist for the goal from Daniel Sturridge, but otherwise his display was average. Some of his passing was wayward as he lost the ball to many times in dangerous positions and doesn’t look comfortable when he is on the ball sometimes. Enrique can be unplayable on his best day but just lacks the consistency that is needed when playing for Liverpool.

LUCAS LEIVA- 7

Lucas did brilliant to shield the defence from Aston Villa. Lucas is often the unsung hero as he gets himself about the pitch making vital tackles and interceptions and rarely loses the ball. You notice the gaps that Lucas not playing would give if he was injured and is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

STEVEN GERRARD- 8

Steven Gerrard was inspirational today in getting back and defending the onslaught from Aston Villa in the second half, although some of his passing was wayward for Gerrard. Made tackles and put his body on the line for Liverpool in a hard fought battle.

COUTINHO- 6

Did not have a lot to do as the Aston Villa defence kept him quiet for most of the match. The second half was all Aston Villa and Coutinho is not the best with his defensive duties. If he is to remain a winger then he will have to learn to be wary of leaving spaces when he attacks. The Brazilian is clearly better in the number 10 role as he does not have much defensive responsibility but Liverpool lack quality wingers to replace Coutinho in that position.

REPLACED BY JOE ALLEN IN THE 77^TH MINUTE

JORDAN HENDERSON- 6

Henderson put in an effortless display running from box to box, but with Liverpool being so much under pressure from Villa he did not have much time to show his qualities. Got into the box well which is pleasing to see from a midfielder, but drifted out of the game for too long.

IAGO ASPAS- 6

New signing Iago Aspas had a comfortable game as he just like Henderson and Coutinho did not have a lot to do. Showed a lot of neat little touches during the game and showed he can be a tricky customer, but did not get enough off the ball to showcase what he can do.

REPLACED BY ALY CISSOKHO IN THE 70^TH MINUTE

DANIEL STURRIDGE- 9 MAN OF THE MATCH

Daniel Sturridge put in a scintillating display again here and scored the winner, just like he did last week against Stoke City. His goal was well taken as he called for Coutinho to dummy the ball as collected it and danced past a number of defenders, took the ball around the keeper and slotted it into the roof of the net for a goal of the month contender. Looked lively and dangerous all game and even defended in the second half as Villa piled on the pressure. At one point in the match he was in the right-back position which just emphasised his overall performance.

SUBSTITUTIONS

ALY CISSOKHO- 6

Liverpool’s new signing Aly Cissokho was a brilliantly used tactic from Rodgers as he took of Aspas for Cissokho to bring more height into the game and so that Cissokho could get back more and defend. Looked powerful and some of his runs were brilliant as he tried to take the pressure of the Liverpool defence.

JOE ALLEN- 6

Rodgers attempted to put on Joe Allen to try to control the game a lot more, taking of Coutinho for the Welshman. Some of his passing was wayward but helped Liverpool to defend more than what Coutinho and Aspas would off. Allen helped cover the gaps in midfield and it worked for the final minutes as Rodgers closed off the match well with some good substitutions.

Mignolet: It’s a dream come true

New Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has described his Liverpool debut as a ‘dream come true’ and thanks the Liverpool fans for their support.

Mignolet was the hero in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Stoke as he dived low to his right to thwart a Jonathon Walters penalty in the last few minutes of the game.

“You dream of those kinds of things and when it actually comes around, you’re very pleased afterwards,” Mignolet told Liverpoolfc.com immediately after the final whistle.

“You can’t really judge if it’s going to end up like that on your debut. It can only be good for my confidence; the next game is going to be a lot easier than it was today.

“You have to get through the first 15 minutes. I managed to get through the first 15 minutes with the support of the fans, my teammates and the staff.

“I got through the first 15 minutes of the game and once I made my first save, it settled me down and made the game a lot easier.

“At that moment itself, you don’t really know what you’re thinking of. Once everything has settled I’ll look back to it and hopefully take positives from it.

“We just have to keep our feet on the ground and be focused. Next week there’s a tough game again against Aston Villa.

“The most important thing is that we got three points today; I think we deserved that with the game we played and the chances we created.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to score the second goal. That’s the most important thing – a win, a clean sheet and move onto the next game.”

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard revealed last season how he had benefited from the analysis of goalkeeping coach John Achterberg when attempting penalties at the other end.

The Dutchman’s level of research proved helpful for Mignolet on Saturday too.

“I think every goalkeeper does that nowadays in the Premier League,” the No.22 added.

“We analyse those things and all credit to the coaching staff, who have monitored that throughout the last couple of seasons and made sure that we knew what was going to happen.”

Mignolet was one of three summer signings to make his competitive debut against the Potters and the ‘keeper was thankful for the reaction afforded by his new home fans.

He said: “Of course, when you make the save at the end and the fans get behind you, that was very pleasing. It can only be good for my confidence for future games.

“Everybody was happy because we wanted to win the game – that was the objective. We’ve done that, we move onto the next game and make sure we do it again.”

Rodgers: Suarez has crossed the line and will now train alone

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has banished Uruguayan star Luis Suarez to train alone after a complete ‘lack of respect for Liverpool Football Club.’

The disgraced striker will now train alone after lacklustre  performances in pre-season and training, as well as his astonishing interview where he revealed he felt let down after what he felt were ‘broken promises.’

Brendan Rodgers and the owners of Liverpool are said to be furious with Luis Suarez after his explosive interview.

Feelings are running so high that Liverpool owner John Henry has vowed ‘never to sell Suarez to Arsenal.’

The South American has accused Brendan Rodgers and Ian Ayre of ‘lying’, but Rodgers insisted he is so angry not just because of the personal attack, but the total disrespect of Liverpool FC and the fans. Both with his comments and his attitude in training and games.

Brendan Rodgers is so furious that he admits that bridges will have to be crossed before Suarez can put on a Liverpool shirt ever again, even if he remains at Anfield.

Liverpool have vowed they will not sell Suarez to one of their main rivals for the coming season in Arsenal, who will be told to back off by Liverpool.

The only way Suarez will put on a Liverpool shirt again is if he makes a public apology.

“I will take strong, decisive action, absolutely. There has been total disrespect of the club – this is a lack of respect of a club that has given him everything. Absolutely everything,” Rodgers insisted after a friendly win over Valerenga here in Norway.

“There were no promises made – categorically none – and no promises broken. Obviously, the remarks I’ve read, it is bitterly disappointing – but my job is bigger than that. My job is to fight and protect the club.

“We have a standard at Liverpool and I will fight for my life to retain it. The Liverpool Way is all about being committed to the cause and fighting for the shirt. It’s also about dignity and being dignified in how you speak about the club. And it’s about unity.

“If anyone steps outside of those values then I have to deal with it.”

The Reds boss believes that Suarez has forfeited the right to train with the rest of the squad, as he has isolated himself from the rest of the squad in training.

There has reportedly been real anger in the squad as off yet, as because of the unsettling effect Suarez is having on the rest of the squad in the build up to the start of the season.

Suarez did not help himself when he did not turn up to Steven Gerrard’s testimonial meal, while the rest of the squad did turn up. Rodgers has revealed that Suarez will have to show remorse to the rest of the team to find a way back.

“Is there a way back? We first of all need to assess where it’s at at this moment things have been said that are derogatory against the football club and his team-mates and the supporters,” he added.

“There’s a few bridges to cross before that can happen (play for LFC again). It’s about the respect, that’s the only thing we look for. This is one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, you can’t disrespect it.

“That’s something I will ensure before anything happens in the future. That bridge will need to be crossed.”

Henry and his fellow owner Tom Werner have backed Rodgers’ stance to the hilt, and privately they have indicated they are furious with the player… and determined to stop him forcing a move to Arsenal.

Liverpool are supremely confident there is no clause in his contract allowing him to leave – a view corroborated by PFA chief Gordon Taylor on Wednesday – and if Suarez is to be sold, then it will have to be to another club.

Rodgers though, insisted he has no need to sell, despite the player’s comments:

“The reality is we don’t want to sell Luis Suarez, it’s as simple as that. He is important for what we are trying to do. There have been a couple of offers but no promises broken – that’s the reality.

“I don’t believe there is a clause in his contract that says he can leave for any sort of price.

“I will deal with it.

“We can understand if he wants to play in the Champions League – but that doesn’t mean we’ve broken any promise.

“What we are trying to do now is get the correct value for a player, but we know we don’t have to sell him.’

Allen and Henderson wrap up special day at Anfield

It was an iconic day at Anfield today as the fans paid tribute to Kop legend Steven Gerrard’s legendary one club career. Goals from Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson sealed a impressive win in Steven Gerrard’s testimonial match.

A sell out crowd packed Anfield as they honoured Steven Gerrard’s glittering 15 year career with the Reds.

Iconic Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler started on the bench for the Reds, but both made appearances to pay tribute to Steven Gerrard.

The Reds dominated proceedings of the match from start to finish and gave their Greek opponents Olympicos no chances at all.

Just four minutes into the match Allen would find Iago Aspas with a great pass but the new signing was unfortunately denied a goal as the keeper did well to save from close range.

The pair continued to link up well, initially coming agonisingly close before their dividends paid off immediately after.

An extravagant flick from Aspas found Joe Allen in the six yard box delightfully but the 23-year-old, somehow, fired the ball on the half-volley over the bar before his shooting boots were back on seconds later.

The combination linked up delightfully again as Aspas fired in a ball across the goal, finding Allen in yards of space as he tapped the ball into a gaping goal to make it 1-0 Liverpool.

Joe Allen scores Liverpool first game

Liverpool continued to press for the ball and Glen Johnson nearly scored Liverpool’s second just five minutes later.

The energetic full back cut inside onto his left foot before piling in a powerful strike, which flew just wide of the post.

Steven Gerrard was pulling the strings in the centre of the park but so nearly set up Joe Allen, in which Allen should of scored his second of the game.

The Liverpool skipper whipped in the ball from the right hand side finding Allen perfectly in the box, but the Welshman couldn’t get enough contact on his header as he headed down and wide.

Liverpool continued in the same vain in the second half as Countinho find Raheem Sterling with a fantastic pass, with the 18-year-old latching onto the pass but his effort bounced just wide of the post after a composed chip over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Sterling’s passing accuracy could not be questioned shortly after though after his defence splitting pass found substitute Henderson who chipper over the keeper to find the back of the net to make it 2-0 Liverpool, only being on the pitch for twelve seconds.

Henderson celebrates with Jamie Carragher as Henderson scores Liverpool’s second

With just less than 20 minutes remaining of the match Liverpool introduced former Reds idol Robbie Fowler to the fray of the match.

A near dream scenario happened for Liverpool as Suarez found Gerrard with the captain finding Robbie Fowler with a great pass but his shot deflected into the side netting.

Fowler comes close to scoring

In the closing minutes of the game, Steven Gerrard was withdrawn for Jay Spearing so the Anfield skipper could get a well deserved standing ovation from a rapturous Anfield crowd.

Gerrard rejected chance at a big move just last summer

Liverpool captain claimed he had turned down the chance to join a Champions League side last summer, with Bayern Munich the team being that were rejected reportedly.

Gerrard is urging Luis Suarez to do the same as him, which is to turn down any approaches and fight to get Liverpool back into the top four.

Gerrard would not name the club that came in for him, but a number of reports have stated Bayern Munich, who won the Champions League last season, were the team.

The 33-year-old insists he was happy at the Reds and will not quit. Gerrard is determined to get Liverpool back into the top four.

“I had a chance to leave last year,” the England international said.

“It was for a club in the Champions League, not a Premier League club, but I wasn’t tempted. I’ve been through that before.”

And Gerrard, who was once a target of Chelsea, wants Suarez to remain at Anfield despite two bids from Arsenal.

“I had a chance to leave last year. It was for a club in the Champions League, not a Premier League club, but I wasn’t tempted. I’ve been through that before.”

Gerrard said: “I think the only person who knows what’s happening is Luis himself.

“He has a huge decision to make and, as his team-mate, I have to show him respect and give him space to make whatever decision he wants to make.

“But I think everyone knows how highly I rate him and how much I want him to stay.”

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s testimonial against Olympiacos, Gerrard added: “While I’ve still got a couple of years left – and maybe a few more – I have to make the most of it. And that is about adding more medals to what I already have and to leave this club in the Champions League. That is the challenge for me personally.

“It is not the same club because we are not in the Champions League, so it becomes an awful lot more difficult to attract the top players.

“But I think the club’s history and size – we’ve just been on a tour which has seen us play in front of nearly a quarter of a million people in 10 days – means the pull is still here.

“We need to break back into the top four to get back the pull we had four or five years ago when we were comfortably in the Champions League year in, year out and challenging to win it.

“Players who come and get the club back into the Champions League will experience some of the biggest nights of their career, because playing European football in front of this crowd is different to any other.”

Lucas: Gerrard the best player in the world

Steven Gerrard helped Liverpool claim their fifth European Cup at Istanbul in 2005 and the Liverpool and England skipper would comfortably claim a starting berth in the five time world champions Brazil’s squad according to Lucas Leiva.

Liverpool supporters will honour the Huyton born midfielder this weekend when Liverpool play Olmpiakos in Gerrard’s testimonial match.

Lucas has graced the field with some Brazilian superstars of the calibre of Ronaldinho, but no teammate matches the ability of Reds number eight Steven Gerrard in the 26-year-olds eyes.

Asked if the Liverpool skipper would fit in with the samba style, Lucas told LFC TV: “Definitely – he would be one of the starters, of course.

“He has been a world-class player for many years. Everyone that speaks about him, and players from Brazil, rate him very highly.

“He’s probably the best, I would say the most complete player. I had the chance to play with Ronaldinho and other magic players but Stevie has everything.

“He is able to score goals but he can still defend very well. I think he is the best midfielder I have played with. When I came here very young, I was lucky to be able to watch him a lot and learn.

“It’s a different style of play but you can still learn a lot from him, and I’m still learning to be honest.”

Steven Gerrard has been Liverpool captain for a decade now and has become the clubs longest serving skipper in Liverpool’s illustrious career.

Lucas has played alongside Gerrard for six years now and there is a deep level of respect between the two men.

The No.21 continued: “It doesn’t matter what you need to do to be able to perform and to win – that’s his message every day.

“He has been in difficult moments with injuries, and low points, but he always gets his head down and works really hard to get back. That’s what I take from him.

“He does everything he can to be in the right shape and able to perform well – we can see when he doesn’t think that he has performed well, he really shows us.

“That means that he is a winner and he wants to win every single time.

“We can see what he has achieved. I was lucky to get the best years of Stevie at the club probably. He has been brilliant during his whole career for Liverpool and it is a well-deserved testimonial.

“But he still has the hunger to train and that’s what players should look at. He is what Liverpool is about; a winner with the right mentality.

“That’s what the club always tries to look for, players with a winning mentality and a lot of passion for the club.”

Steven Gerrard helped Liverpool claim their fifth European Cup at Istanbul in 2005 and the Liverpool and England skipper would comfortably claim a starting berth in the five time world champions Brazil according to Lucas Leiva.

Liverpool supporters will honour the Huyton born midfielder this weekend when Liverpool play Olmpiakos in Gerrard’s testimonial match.

Lucas has graced the field with some Brazilian superstars of the calibre of Ronaldinho, but no teammate matches the ability of Reds number eight Steven Gerrard in the 26-year-olds eyes.

Asked if the Liverpool skipper would fit in with the samba style, Lucas told LFC TV: “Definitely – he would be one of the starters, of course.

“He has been a world-class player for many years. Everyone that speaks about him, and players from Brazil, rate him very highly.

“He’s probably the best, I would say the most complete player. I had the chance to play with Ronaldinho and other magic players but Stevie has everything.

“He is able to score goals but he can still defend very well. I think he is the best midfielder I have played with. When I came here very young, I was lucky to be able to watch him a lot and learn.

“It’s a different style of play but you can still learn a lot from him, and I’m still learning to be honest.”

Steven Gerrard has been Liverpool captain for a decade now and has become the clubs longest serving skipper in Liverpool’s illustrious career.

Lucas has played alongside Gerrard for six years now and there is a deep level of respect between the two men.

The No.21 continued: “It doesn’t matter what you need to do to be able to perform and to win – that’s his message every day.

“He has been in difficult moments with injuries, and low points, but he always gets his head down and works really hard to get back. That’s what I take from him.

“He does everything he can to be in the right shape and able to perform well – we can see when he doesn’t think that he has performed well, he really shows us.

“That means that he is a winner and he wants to win every single time.

“We can see what he has achieved. I was lucky to get the best years of Stevie at the club probably. He has been brilliant during his whole career for Liverpool and it is a well-deserved testimonial.

“But he still has the hunger to train and that’s what players should look at. He is what Liverpool is about; a winner with the right mentality.

“That’s what the club always tries to look for, players with a winning mentality and a lot of passion for the club.”

Gerrard: Liverpool must keep Suarez at the club or risk losing out on Champions League spot

Liverpool captain Steven Gerard has admitted that he has spoken to Suarez over staying at Liverpool but admits it is ultimately Suarez’s decision.

Gerrard has insisted Liverpool need to keep their star player at Anfield or risk losing out on the Champions League places, especially if they sell to one of their biggest rivals in Arsenal for the top four.

“I’d say to Luis: ‘Give it one more year, see if we can achieve that’,’’ Liverpool’s captain said.

Gerrard has admitted that Liverpool still have work to do in the transfer market with Liverpool needing to invest in a world class defender and attacker, as well as keeping hold of Suarez.

“This club needs to make one or two big signings if we are to compete for the top four – and keep Suárez.

“Alongside Gareth Bale, Luis is the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luis and Bale are the two hottest properties out there at the moment.

“When you’re in that position, you’re going to get all kinds of teams wanting to pull you away, especially when you are at a club not in the Champions League. It’s nothing to do with the British media [criticising Suárez]. Knowing the guy as I do that’s probably the thing on his mind: wanting to be in the Champions League.’