Brendan Rodgers has said that Liverpool will need to earn another 23 points in order to reach the Champions League next season and that sentiment will not keep Gerrard in the squad.
Steven Gerrard is fit again after sustaining a hamstring problem in February but he is not guaranteed automatic selection.
During the time Gerrard was unable to play, Liverpool got a maximum 9 points winning games against Southampton, Man City and Burnley and Rodgers needs his team to continue this form into two important matches against Swansea and then Manchester United.
Gerrard has said he wants to leave Liverpool by finishing in the top 4 and winning the FA Cup before he goes to America to play for LA Galaxy but Rodgers has said he won’t pick Gerrard on reputation or sentiment alone
‘We have 30 points to play for, so I am guessing it will be another 23 points,’ said Rodgers. ‘That is how competitive it has been this year.
‘We have won nine out of 11 in January and February, it has been a great run but now we have to be focused on these last 10 matches. Everything counts.
‘We have to be aggressive in our game and now we have to nail it in the last 10. I know the players are focused on that.
‘Everyone is waiting to see if Stevie comes into the team or not, but it was the same with Daniel. Does he or does he not? What you have seen over my time here is that I rely on the team.
‘The team, of course, has to have good players in it, but ultimately it is about the team and what is going to benefit and how we can get results as a team.
‘I will repeat again the most important thing is Steven is back fit and we have Lucas Leiva coming back too.
‘That will add to the competition for places and with one game a week, barring the Cup game, then everyone is going to be fighting and being competitive about playing.
‘The beauty of this season is that everyone has had an opportunity in the first three or four months of the season and then we have found a way to win. It is something everyone has to respect. It is about the team and the spirit of the team and I will always pick the best team I feel to win a game.’
Written by Kayleigh Neild – @KayleighN11
