[lfc-news] Gerrard set to answer Reds SOS - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 22 Nov 2004
Gerrard set to answer Reds SOS
By David Prentice, Daily Post

STEVEN GERRARD is ready to make a Champions League return tomorrow night -
and help try to solve the striking crisis which has hindered Liverpool in
recent weeks.

The Reds' skipper was top scorer before he sustained a broken foot in
September, including the two goals in Austria which propelled the Reds into
the Champions League group stage.

After a 35-minute run-out at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, he is set
to return in Monaco tomorrow.

"Steven is a possibility because he has played two games now of about 45
minutes each and he could play if needed," said boss Rafael Benitez.

"I am happy with his fitness.

"Steven is very important to us, not only as a player and as a captain, but
also in the mentality and team spirit he brings.

"If he plays the opposition thinks 'be careful, Gerrard is playing.'"

Gerrard's return is likely to be the only change for the Reds, although
Benitez has no fresh injury worries to plague him.

"We have four options up front and they will all travel in an 18- man
squad," added Benitez.

"It's true that Harry (Kewell) and Luis (Garcia) are not out and out
forwards, but for me both played well against Middlesbrough.

"If the team as a whole doesn't play well, then the strikers have a more
difficult time. I will watch all the players in training then decide who is
the best to play against Monaco's defenders."

Neil Mellor's chances of starting, however, seem remote.

"You don't necessarily need a greater physical presence," explained the
Reds' boss. "If you see Barcelona they don't have a physical foward line.
If you move the ball quickly, physique doesn't matter.

"We know if we win then we qualify, so it's a very important game for us.
When you lose, you need to recover quickly - and because we have a game on
Tuesday we don't have a lot of time to cry.

"We want to win in Monte Carlo because if we do, we can prepare for the
next game with a different mentality."

Monaco's form has slumped since they were comprehensively beaten at Anfield
in September, but Benitez urged caution.

"It is true they are not playing the best football, but sometimes players
play worse because they are thinking about the Champions League." he said.
"I am sure it will be a difficult game."


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