Gerrard reveals derby "hurt"
Gerrard wants an explanation for his withdrawal on Saturday
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Monday, 22, Oct 2007 11:10
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has described his pain at being substituted during the Reds' 2-1 win over Merseyside neighbours Everton.
The midfielder was withdrawn by Rafael Benitez with 20 minutes left to play in Saturday's game at Goodison Park and was clearly taken aback by the Spaniard's decision.
"I was hurt and disappointed at being taken off because, like I said, I'm a local lad and the derby means everything to me," he told the Liverpool Echo.
The relationship between Benitez and his skipper has been strained at times.
Gerrard grew frustrated with delays over a new contract and temporarily demanded a transfer away from Anfield in the summer of 2005.
However the England international insists that he is happy to abide by Benitez's decisions from the bench.
"We'll just have a chat and whatever is said will remain between us. But I've been in the game long enough to know that no one is going to play every minute of every game and there will be times when I'm taken off like everyone else," he said.
"The most important thing is that we won the game."
Gerrard also admitted that his recent form has left him vulnerable to the manager's policy of rotation.
"I know I haven't been at my best lately but I'm doing everything I can to get back there," he said.
Benitez, who introduced Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva at Gerrard's expense, explained his reasoning behind the switch after the match.
"In this game, sometimes you need to play with the brain and we were playing with heart. We needed to keep the ball and pass the ball," he said.