Tag Archives: Gerrard

Rivals ready Gerrard raid

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Manchester City are reportedly preparing an audacious summer raid on Liverpool for Steven Gerrard to boost their Premier League title ambitions for next season (City 6/1 Premier League Outright 2010/2011).

City boss Roberto Mancini has been linked to a myriad of players already this summer and looks set to be handed a blank cheque book to ensure the Eastlands outfit do not miss out on at least a top-four Champions League place next term. And reports suggest that Gerrard could be his top target with a big-money offer and fellow midfielder Steven Ireland set to be included as part of a deal to take the England skipper the short journey across the North-West.

The main problem for City is that new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is also thought to be plotting a move to take Gerrard to the Spanish Primera Liga having just missed out on his signature when in charge at Chelsea.

Mourinho, who won an historic treble with Italian giants Inter Milan last season, appears to see Gerrard as the missing link at the Bernabeu as he looks to lead them to domestic and European success in his first campaign at the helm.

Therefore a scramble looks like ensuing as soon as Gerrard’s involvement in England’s bid for World Cup glory (England 8/1 Outright Winner) in South Africa comes to an end.

It is not known if Liverpool would cash in on Gerrard or if the player will express a desire to quit Anfield following a disappointing season in which they missed out on Champions League football and then Rafael Benitez’s subsequent departure.

The Reds are still searching for a replacement for Benitez and Fulham boss Roy Hodgson was one of the favourites to take the job. However Cottagers owner Mohamed Al Fayed remains confident he will stay put following a successful past season at Craven Cottage.

He said: “I don’t think he’ll leave me.

“I’m sure he’ll have lots of approaches from other clubs, but I give him anything he wants to reach results and we have a very good relationship.”

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Gerrard prepared for penalties

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Newly-appointed England captain Steven Gerrard feels that his side are fated to be involved in a penalty shootout at some point in the World Cup and he hopes he will handle the pressure (7/1 to win the World Cup).

The Liverpool midfielder was named as captain after Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the tournament when he picked up a knee ligament injury in the first training session since the team landed in South Africa.

Gerrard believes that penalties are inevitable if the side make it past the group stages of the competition.

He said: “I’ve got a feeling we might have to go to penalties at some point and as a player going into a World Cup,  you’ve got to be prepared for a shoot-out, it’s as simple as that.

“The games when you get further into a tournament are so tight. Hopefully we get a bit more luck this time – and I take a better penalty.”

Gerrard missed a penalty in the defeat against Portugal in the quarter-finals of the competition which was just one of many spot-kick heartbreaks for the Three Lions in major tournaments.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is England’s regular spot-kick taker but he has not been able to convert his last two penalties – the first was against Portsmouth in the FA Cup final at Wembley with the second in the pre-tournament friendly with Japan.

Gerrard believes that is impossible to replicate the pressure that is placed on a player during a penalty shootout.

He said: “When you practise penalties in training you pick a ball up and shoot within a few seconds.

“But in the World Cup… what is it, a 30-second walk from the half-way line when you’ve got millions and millions of viewers back home wanting you to score? You can’t prepare for that.

“What you can do is be ready and not shy away from it and have the bottle to step up there for another go – especially when you’ve missed one before. I’ll be ready.”

England are currently preparing for their opening match of the World Cup against USA on June 12 (England 4/9 draw 3/1 USA 6/1 – match betting).

Gareth Barry has taken part in his second day of training since coming back from the ankle injury he picked playing for Manchester City against Tottenham.

The Three Lions will be hoping for no more injury worries ahead of that first game against USA before they take on Algeria and Slovenia in Group C.

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Gerrard shrugs off injury fears

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Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has moved to assure nervous supporters he will be fit for England’s World Cup Group C opener against USA in Rustenburg on June 12 (8/1 Gerrard – Top England Goalscorer).

The Kop icon picked up a knee injury in the unconvincing 2-1 international friendly win over Japan on Sunday but stressed it was not serious.

Gerrard – who has scored 16 goals in 80 appearances for the Three Lions – sparked fears about his fitness last week when he twice withdrew from training because a calf injury.

However, the 30-year-old insisted he would be ready for his country’s opener against America in Rustenburg (4/9 England 3/1 draw 6/1 USA – match betting).

“It’s OK, it’ll be all right,” he said. “It won’t be a problem.”

England coach Fabio Capello is sweating on no more injury headaches before he announces his 23-man cut on June 1.

Gareth Barry remains his biggest concern but it would appear the Italian is prepared to relax his own rules to allow the Manchester City midfielder to make the squad.

The former Aston Villa man is struggling to recover from strained ankle ligaments and reports suggest he is almost certainly ruled out of that Group C encounter against the States.

“We will decide on Gareth Barry after we have had the final check to see how long it will be before he can train with us,” said Capello.

Capello will also make personal checks on Chelsea defender John Terry, who fell awkwardly in the second half against Japan and pulled up in pain, while star striker Wayne Rooney suffered from a spate of minor injuries towards the end of the domestic season.

The writing does appear to be on the wall for Tom Huddlestone of Tottenham and Darren Bent of Sunderland.

Both were given a last chance to impress in Austria on Sunday but failed to sparkle and could now miss out.

Stephen Warnock of Aston Villa has also failed to dislodge Leighton Baines of Everton as the preferred back-up to Ashley Cole at left-back.

Joe Cole’s likely inclusion could also mean World Cup heartache for the Manchester City duo Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Michael Dawson and Scott Parker have not been given a chance by Capello and are also now in grave danger of missing out.

“I know the 22 players who are in mind,” said Capello.

“They are the same 22 that I decided last week. Nothing has changed.”

England wrap up their group campaign against Algeria in Cape Town on June 18 and Slovenia on June 23 in Port Elizabeth.

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More Gerrard injury concern

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Steven Gerrard (8/1 to be England’s World Cup Top Goalscorer) cut short an England training session for a second successive day on Friday, adding to fears over the midfielder’s fitness.

Reports claim the Liverpool skipper pulled up during Thursday’s practice match and received treatment on the sidelines for a calf problem.

Gerrard did return to training on Friday but did not complete the session, in which the England squad worked on shooting.

The 29-year-old then left the Austrian training ground with physio Gary Lewin for more treatment, and looks a doubt for Sunday’s final warm-up game (England 7/1 to come from behind and win the friendly) against Japan in Graz.

Sunday’s match will offer a last chance for some players to prove to Fabio Capello that they deserve a place in the final 23-man party.

There is better news on the injury front for Gerrard’s Liverpool colleague Glen Johnson, who also missed training on Thursday with a calf problem.

The right-back was back with the rest of the squad on Friday and impressed during the shooting practise – following on from his cracking goal in the friendly win over Mexico.

Having recovered from a hamstring problem, Sunderland’s Darren Bent is expected to feature against the fellow World Cup qualifiers, with Japan in Group E along with Holland, Denmark and Cameroon.

Stephen Warnock will have a late check on an ankle problem to see if he can start, as he battles with Leighton Baines for the role of back-up to Ashley Cole at left-back.

Capello has already stated that Ledley King will sit out Sunday’s game having completed the full 90 minutes in midweek, so Matthew Upson may be handed a start in the centre of defence.

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres believes Gerrard will be crucial to England’s hopes after claiming his Liverpool team-mate is ‘in the same league’ as Lionel Messi.

The Spanish international says the England midfielder is one of five players capable of dominating at the World Cup and that he is able to ‘win a big game on his own’.

Torres has seen Gerrard’s qualities at first hand and he feels the England vice-captain, along with Wayne Rooney, could win the World Cup for the Three Lions.

The Spain striker said: “He’s in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, that’s how good he is. Rooney and Stevie must have big tournaments.

“If they do then England should be very much feared.”

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Gerrard over Liverpool woes

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Steven Gerrard has insisted he is happy with his form as England prepare for next month’s World Cup (6/1 to lift the trophy) and believes he is back to something like his best.

The midfield lynchpin has endured a disappointing season with Liverpool, who only finished seventh in the league after pushing Manchester United all the way the previous year and crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages only to get knocked out of the Europa League in the semi-finals.

The Anfield giants were also sent packing from the FA Cup after losing at home to Reading and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Arsenal’s young guns.

Gerrard did not have the best season on a personal level as he was hampered by injury and struggled for consistency, and has been linked with a move away in the summer following claims he has fallen out with boss Rafael Benitez.

However, the 29-year-old has insisted he has put his Liverpool troubles behind him and believes he is rediscovering his best form with the summer showpiece only days away.

“It has been a difficult season – personally and for the Liverpool group as a whole – because we’ve under-achieved,” Gerrard said.

“It has been really tough dealing with those setbacks.

“But now we are here for England, it is important club issues are put to one side.
“The good thing is my form has come back closer to where I want it to be.

“At the moment I am feeling good. I finished the season quite strongly personally.”

England begin their campaign on June 12 and are 1/3 favourites to win Group C, with USA available at 4/1, Slovenia at 9/1 and Algeria the outsiders at 12/1.

Fabio Capello’s men kick off against USA on June 12 and are strongly fancied at 8/15 to take the three points, with the Americans priced at 5/1 and the draw at 11/4.

Gerrard has also emphasised how important Wayne Rooney (10/1 to finish as the tournament’s top goalscorer) is to England’s chances of going far in the competition.

“Wayne’s form this season has been up there as one of the best players in the world,” he said.

“As a team-mate, you are hoping and keeping your fingers crossed that he stays fit and carries that form on into the World Cup.

“He is our key man, he is great to have around the place, off the field as well.

“He is a big player for us, and hopefully he can stay away from injury.”

David Villa is currently the favourite at 9/1 to top the scoring charts with Spain outright favourites at 4/1 to lift the World Cup, while Brazil’s Luis Fabiano and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are both available at 10/1 to win the Golden Boot.

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Gerrard asks for fans’ help

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Steven Gerrard with Liverpool fansSteven Gerrard says England are desperate for success at the World Cup – they are 6/1 to lift the trophy – this summer and he believes a vocal backing from the travelling fans out in South Africa will significantly boost their chances of glory.

Gerrard will form a key part of England’s attacking thrust from midfield in the tournament and the Liverpool man’s experience of big games will be vital if Fabio Capello’s men are to enjoy a run to the latter knockout stages of the competition. Gerrard is 8/1 to be England’s top goal scorer at the World Cup.

Gerrard has admitted that when the Three Lions receive the full backing of the England fans it can be a major boost to their chances but if they get on their backs then it can have the opposite effect.

He said: “The fans see that we’re working really hard to improve and we’re desperate to achieve something for them. That is what we do it for. It would be fantastic if we could send them home from South Africa really happy and really proud of the team.

“I’ve played in situations where the fans haven’t been behind the team and it’s difficult. It affects performance and individuals and it’s not helpful.

“But on the other hand, I’ve played in front of a packed Wembley when the fans are roaring us on to victory and it’s a massive help. If we can get that kind of support in the World Cup, it could be key for us in getting over this quarter-final hurdle and going further.”

Gerrard’s club form for Liverpool this season has fallen below his own high standards at times, but he remains one of England’s key players and will be relied upon to inspire Capello’s men in tight games alongside Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and co.

Meanwhile, Gerrard’s future at Anfield remains somewhat unclear following Liverpool’s failure to secure Champions League football next season.

With the ongoing uncertaintly over boss Rafa Benitez’s future as well, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea are all thought to be monitoring Gerrard’s position should he decide to leave the club he has served so well over the past 11 years.

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Gerrard asks for fans’ help

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Steven Gerrard with Liverpool fansSteven Gerrard says England are desperate for success at the World Cup – they are 6/1 to lift the trophy – this summer and he believes a vocal backing from the travelling fans out in South Africa will significantly boost their chances of glory.

Gerrard will form a key part of England’s attacking thrust from midfield in the tournament and the Liverpool man’s experience of big games will be vital if Fabio Capello’s men are to enjoy a run to the latter knockout stages of the competition. Gerrard is 8/1 to be England’s top goal scorer at the World Cup.

Gerrard has admitted that when the Three Lions receive the full backing of the England fans it can be a major boost to their chances but if they get on their backs then it can have the opposite effect.

He said: “The fans see that we’re working really hard to improve and we’re desperate to achieve something for them. That is what we do it for. It would be fantastic if we could send them home from South Africa really happy and really proud of the team.

“I’ve played in situations where the fans haven’t been behind the team and it’s difficult. It affects performance and individuals and it’s not helpful.

“But on the other hand, I’ve played in front of a packed Wembley when the fans are roaring us on to victory and it’s a massive help. If we can get that kind of support in the World Cup, it could be key for us in getting over this quarter-final hurdle and going further.”

Gerrard’s club form for Liverpool this season has fallen below his own high standards at times, but he remains one of England’s key players and will be relied upon to inspire Capello’s men in tight games alongside Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and co.

Meanwhile, Gerrard’s future at Anfield remains somewhat unclear following Liverpool’s failure to secure Champions League football next season.

With the ongoing uncertaintly over boss Rafa Benitez’s future as well, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea are all thought to be monitoring Gerrard’s position should he decide to leave the club he has served so well over the past 11 years.

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Gerrard dismisses favour talk

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Liverpool captain Steven GerrardLiverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted the Reds are totally focused on winning their matches against Chelsea (5/6 to win in the match betting) in order to end their home campaign on a high.

The Reds welcome the Blues to Anfield on Sunday knowing only a win can keep their slim hopes of finishing in the top four alive following Saturday’s results.

Fourth place Tottenham (4/5 top four finish) are now five points clear of Liverpool with two to play following their win over Bolton, with Manchester City a further point back on the north London side.

The Reds now have to win their two remaining matches and hope results go their way to have any chance of finishing in the top four and avoid missing out on the Champions League income.

Rumours continue to dominate the newspapers that the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard could be put up for sale should they miss out on a top four finish, with the Liverpool’s American owners keen to finance the club’s massive debts.

Manager Rafael Benitez has added to the turmoil on Merseyside by failing to clarify whether he will be at the club next season, the Spaniard having been linked with Juventus and Real Madrid in the past month.

With the season drawing to a disappointing close the Reds have the chance to end their home campaign on a high by beating title chasing Chelsea (1/2 to win the Premier League outright) this weekend.

However, should they beat the Blues they could hand the advantage to their greatest rivals Manchester United heading into the final day of the season.

United are looking to win their 19th league title, a feat that would eclipse Liverpool’s record of 18 English championships.

United’s attempts to overhaul the Reds title record has lead to some sections of the Anfield faithful to call for their team to lose to Chelsea on Sunday in order to prevent Sir Alex Ferguson’s winning yet another domestic title.

However, Gerrard has dismissed the idea of doing Chelsea a favour and says his side are just focused on winning the match, not on what other sides need.

“My only thoughts on the Chelsea game is to win it,” said Gerrard.

“We owe it to our supporters to try and finish the season with two wins. I know there has been a lot of speculation in the media about us going to take our foot off the gas and try and do Chelsea a favour. Well that won’t be happening.

“I can understand fans talking about it because I’m a fan myself. But we are professionals and we get brought up at Liverpool FC with a winning mentality.”

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Gerrard relishing Atletico mission

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Steven Gerrard has said Liverpool will have to play like “heroes” if they are to overturn a 1-0 semi-final first-leg defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Europa League at Anfield next week (4/7 Liverpool 12/5 draw 9/2 Atletico Madrid – match betting).

The Reds appeared heavy-legged off the back of a gruelling 24-hour, 1,200-mile trip to the Spanish capital by road, rail and air because of the flight restrictions imposed by the cloud of volcanic ash when they fell to an early goal by former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan on Thursday.

The setback at the Vicente Calderon means Rafael Benitez’s men must roll their sleeves up if they are to reach their third European final in six years.

England midfielder Gerrard is refusing to believe Liverpool have blown their last chance of silverware this season and is expecting another special European atmosphere at Anfield.

“It is still half-time. We are still confident we can progress and we know we can turn any result around with our fans behind us, especially a 1-0,” said Gerrard.

He added: “If you don’t want to play in that game there is something wrong.

“These are the stages you want to play on, these are the nights when heroes are made.”

The Reds staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in European history when they came from 3-0 at half-time to beat AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 Champions League final.

Gerrard was at his inspirational best in the group stages when he rescued his team-mates in the final game against Olympiacos.

This season they have also trailed against Lille and Benfica before securing second-leg wins.

The 29-year-old expects Thursday will not be the faint-hearted but is confident Liverpool can reach the final in Hamburg on May 12 (3/4 Liverpool – To Qualify).

He said: “We haven’t played well at all on the road in the league or in Europe but we’ve got the experience, the know-how, of turning these results around.”

He added: “Atletico have got fantastic players who can hurt you so we know we need to perform perfectly if we want to get to Hamburg.”

Liverpool must first collect maximum points off Burnley to keep alive their remote hopes of a top-four finish and Gerrard says he expects Benitez to make changes for the trip to Turf Moor.

He said: “I’m sure the manager will make a few changes to freshen things up and we’ll try to get a win against Burnley and then prepare for a massive game, the biggest of the season, next Thursday.”

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