Gerrard rallies Reds

Captain wants Liverpool to prove they can challenge on all fronts

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has called on the side to prove they are capable of challenging for honours on all fronts this season.

The Reds, who begin their UEFA Champions League campaign away to Porto on Tuesday, have made an encouraging start to the new season by going unbeaten so far.

Liverpool were one of the biggest spenders in pre-season and Gerrard believes everything at the club is geared for success.

England international Gerrard singled out Reds boss Rafa Benitez for special praise describing the Spaniard as the best manager around.

Success

Speaking exclusively in October's Sky Sports magazine, Gerrard says: "At Anfield we've got the new owners who will carry on the good work of David Moores, a new stadium in the pipeline and one of - if not the - best manager in the game.

"We've got the ingredients for real success, but we've got to prove it on the pitch rather than just talking a good game."

Gerrard has been impressed by Liverpool's summer spending and he believes they can only benefit from having competition for places in the side.

"This is the first time in my career that I see genuine competition for every place in the team," continued Gerrard.

Automatic

"There are at least two, even three, players battling for every jersey and that can only be good for everyone.

"The new boys are still getting to grips with the intricacies of English football and the systems and patterns the manager prefers here, but no-one in the dressing room can presume they're an automatic choice because there's so much quality right throughout the squad."

The Reds' midfield dynamo admits the Premier League is Liverpool's top target this season as they look to become domestic champions for the first time in 18 years.

Gerrard is confident Liverpool are not far away from finally bringing England's top prize back to Anfield.

"The league is always your bread and butter as a Liverpool player and we're not far away," added Gerrard.

"With the investment we made in the summer and the squad here staying together, we can promise to push Chelsea and Manchester United all the way this season.

"It's not going to be easy because we want to be competitive on all fronts, but nothing in life worth having is ever easy.

"It's knowing you've worked as hard as hell that makes success so enjoyable.

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