CAPTAIN Steven Gerrard has warned their Europa League rivals not to underestimate Liverpool.
Despite what has been a disappointing season so far with early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup, the England midfielder stressed they were not prepared to give up without a fight.
“It’s very dangerous to bet against Liverpool, especially when our backs are to the wall,” said the 29-year-old, who, along with Jamie Carragher, is one of only two remaining squad members who played in the 5-4 UEFA Cup final victory over Alaves nine years ago.
“This season has been inconsistent and hasn’t gone to plan.
“However, for me as captain and for the team, we’ve got one more trophy to lift.
“So we’ll be giving everything to go all the way. Anyone who underestimates the Europa League is not for me because I’ve lifted the UEFA Cup before.
“It’s a special trophy, and 2001 was a superb final. Hopefully we can experience the same feeling this season.”
Gerrard believes the five-time European champions’ extensive history means they always face a tough task when they take on teams from the continent.
And he does not expect any less from Romanians Unirea Urziceni, who they face tonight at Anfield.
“I’ve always found in Europe that Liverpool have more problems against less well-known teams because of the surprise factor,” he said.
“To play Liverpool is a big game for Unirea and they’ll be looking for a big upset and will be very dangerous.
“But (manager) Rafa (Benitez) will make sure that the team is prepared.
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Liverpool FC should not underestimate Europa League opponents says Steven Gerrard
CAPTAIN Steven Gerrard has warned their Europa League rivals not to underestimate Liverpool.
Despite what has been a disappointing season so far with early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup, the England midfielder stressed they were not prepared to give up without a fight.
“It’s very dangerous to bet against Liverpool, especially when our backs are to the wall,” said the 29-year-old, who, along with Jamie Carragher, is one of only two remaining squad members who played in the 5-4 UEFA Cup final victory over Alaves nine years ago.
“This season has been inconsistent and hasn’t gone to plan.
“However, for me as captain and for the team, we’ve got one more trophy to lift.
“So we’ll be giving everything to go all the way. Anyone who underestimates the Europa League is not for me because I’ve lifted the UEFA Cup before.
“It’s a special trophy, and 2001 was a superb final. Hopefully we can experience the same feeling this season.”
Gerrard believes the five-time European champions’ extensive history means they always face a tough task when they take on teams from the continent.
And he does not expect any less from Romanians Unirea Urziceni, who they face tonight at Anfield.
“I’ve always found in Europe that Liverpool have more problems against less well-known teams because of the surprise factor,” he said.
“To play Liverpool is a big game for Unirea and they’ll be looking for a big upset and will be very dangerous.
“But (manager) Rafa (Benitez) will make sure that the team is prepared.
