Benitez expects more from struggling Gerrard

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has challenged Steven Gerrard to shake off his inconsistent form and lead the Reds to a successful finale to their troubled campaign.

Gerrard admitted on Friday that he has fallen below the standards the England midfielder sets for himself and Benitez concedes that Liverpool’s poor performances have clearly affected their captain.

The 29-year-old has often produced inspirational displays to get his side out of trouble, but those heroics have been missing as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage and failed to make any impact on the title race.

Yet Benitez knows Liverpool can still salvage fourth place and the Champions League spot that comes with it and he hopes Gerrard will finally shrug off his malaise in time to rescue the Reds.

“I think more or less in terms of his position and his movement it is similar to previous seasons,” Benitez said on Friday.

“The team has had some problems and some players are suffering because we are not giving them too many good balls or options.

“But Gerrard is an important player because he also has to create something for the rest of the team and he knows he has to improve.

“The main thing for me – and we have had conversations with the team – is that everyone knows we have to improve.

“He is one of the players who is really focused and has a great determination to improve.

“That is the first thing; if you want to improve you have to believe you can do it and work hard trying to do it.”

Benitez also reiterated his belief that his big-name players had to start delivering the kind of performances which would get the team out of difficult situations.

“In both ways it is important; the team has to give chances to the likes of Fernando Torres and he will score more goals,” he said.

“And also when the team needs them they need to be there and when the team is not playing well they have to be leaders by example.

“They have to be a mixture of things. Always from your important players you expect them to be there and the rest of the players following them.

“That is the way if you want to be a strong team.”

Meanwhile, Benitez admitted Spanish winger Albert Riera is set to go out on loan to a Russian club before the close of their transfer window early next month.

Riera, who has a Russian wife, angered Benitez with his outspoken criticism last week, claiming the manager does not communicate with players and describing Liverpool as a “sinking ship” .

“We are working with different clubs trying to find a solution at this moment,” Benitez said.

“We will try to do some business if we can and see what happens.”