Steven Gerrard frustrated by Liverpool's league campaign
Gerrard is frustrated with Liverpool's lack of progress in the league
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Wednesday, 27, Feb 2008 09:36
Captain Steven Gerrard is frustrated by Liverpool's lack of progress in the Premier League and says fourth place will be no consolation.
The Reds are currently in a battle with Everton and Aston Villa to secure the final Champions League berth for next season but the midfielder insists Liverpool's ambitions must be much higher.
Gerrard says the league title remains his ultimate ambition and he is frustrated to be so far behind the league leaders during a season that had promised so much at the start.
"You don't get any prizes in football for finishing in second place, never mind fourth," said the 28-year-old.
After being knocked out of the FA Cup against Barnsley two weeks ago the Reds' only hope for silverware this season is the Champions League. But Gerrard is more concerned about the 17-point gap between the Reds and Arsenal.
He said: "In the position we find ourselves now, fourth is the least that is acceptable. But we have bigger ambitions than that.
"The only way we can fulfil those ambitions is in the Champions League. And I am not going to pretend that even winning that trophy - and we are a long way away from it at the moment - will make up for the disappointment of the league campaign."
Having invested heavily over the summer Gerrard felt this season would be the one to return Liverpool to the summit of the English game, however inconsistent form and boardroom arguments have undermined their progress.
Gerrard feels Liverpool have the necessary personnel to challenge for the title but is becoming tired of encountering the same situation each season.
"We believed we had the players to challenge for the title, and we wanted that one more than any other trophy available to us. I still believe we have the squad to be a hell of a lot more," he said.
"I'm getting tired of saying the same thing over and over again."
Gerrard will hope Liverpool's fortunes improve when they travel to Bolton on Sunday.