We've got nothing to lose - Gerrard
Thursday April 22 2004
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard admits he is surprised Manchester United are as low as third in the Premiership but believes his side have nothing to fear at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Gerrard accepts that Liverpool are underdogs in a crunch clash that could dictate whether they qualify for the Champions League or not.
And he is no doubt more than aware that United's fans would like nothing more than to see their team destroy the European dreams of their most bitter rivals.
Gerrard said: ``Everyone has been a little bit surprised to see United where they are because for the last 10-12 years they have been so successful and always been at the front, and any team that finishes above United usually wins the league.
``So it has been a little bit strange to see them third, but I am sure just like us they will want to improve on their league form next season.''
Fourth-placed Liverpool are an embarrassing 21 points behind United going into the weekend clash after picking up just one point from their last nine.
They are desperate for points to keep up their faltering bid for the fourth Champions League place and a win at Old Trafford would be a huge boost to morale.
Gerrard said: ``I do not believe we have anything to fear. We have proved over the years that we can match Manchester United and we can also beat them.
``We are going into the game underdogs because of our current form and because we are the away side.
``But we have nothing to lose, we will go to Old Trafford and give them a run for their money.''
He added: ``This is the biggest game of the season, along with the derby matches these two games with United are the first you check for at the beginning of the season.
``It's all about the rivalry of the fans and two big, successful clubs. It adds an extra bit of spice and all the players are looking forward to it even if it comes after two bad results for us recently.''
And Gerrard has again hit out at critics of boss Gerard Houllier, who have doubted what seems to be the Liverpool board's decision to stick with the Frenchman for next season.
Gerrard said: ``He's my manager, obviously he believes in me and he made me captain and I have got to show him support back and so have all the rest of the players.''
Gerrard - who made a very public display of support for Houllier by jumping into his arms after scoring against Levski Sofia in March - again gave his backing to Houllier in a Sky Sports interview.
But the England midfielder accepts the right of the Anfield fans to show their anger at the current position.
He added: ``We have got to try to pull out for four good results in the four remaining games. There is a lot of pressure on the manager, but that is the same for the players as well, we deserve to be criticised.
``You expect criticism, it has been a frustrating season, our form has not been very consistent and over the last few games, especially the home ones when we are expected to win, we deserve to be criticised in certain ways. But some of it has been unfair as well.
``But from our point of view we just have to try to look forward to the next game and forget about it and try to get the right result.''
The spotlight on Saturday will also be on Gerrard's England colleague Michael Owen, with more contract talks having commenced earlier this month.
Houllier is confident that Owen will end speculation regarding his Anfield future by agreeing a new deal before the summer.
Houllier said: ``I expect an announcement to be made about Michael before the end of the season and that it will confirm he is staying.
``Whatever Michael does I will respect him. But I both hope and believe that everything will be sorted out.''
Come on United! 