The Reds have endured a difficult start to the season but the 34-year-old expects them to raise their game against the European champions and to cause an upset
After a difficult start to the season, Gerrard is sure his teammates will up their game for the clash Anfield.
“We slipped up in Switzerland so we now have to take something out of either of the games against Real,” he told reporters.
“I think our best chance is at home but the plan is to get something out of both games. We must focus on this one first and we have got to get some kind of a result. Beating Real Madrid is a big ask but it is possible. A result in the first game would certainly help us get out of the group and I think a performance is due.
“The performance at QPR wasn’t good enough, everyone knows that, but I think everyone will respect that, when Real Madrid come into town, it is a different game to get yourself up for.
“I think most places Real Madrid go, with the current players and the form they are in, they are expected to win most games,” he added. “I understand that. I even understand we are the underdogs but, with the atmosphere we have here and the players raising their game, I think it might be possible to cause an upset.”
Yet Gerrard admits that every member of Brendan Rodgers’s starting XI needs to be “right on it” to avoid a humiliating defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s side, whom he concedes are “deadly on the counterattack”.
“I think every player in the dressing room realises that we can’t have any passengers against opposition of Real Madrid’s quality or we will get beat convincingly,” Gerrard told reporters.
This will be the fourth time the two sides face each other and the Reds have an impressive record against their Spanish opponents with victories coming in the 1981 European Cup final and the Champions League last-16 tie in 2009 ai??i?? a 5-0 demolition.
The Liverpool skipper also hailed Cristiano Ronaldo, as arguably the best player in the world.
Since joining Real from Manchester United in 2009, the Portugal international has netted an astonishing 271 goals in 258 appearances, including 19 in just 12 games this season.
But although the Spaniards will be without Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos, Gerrard acknowledges there is talent throughout the Real squad other than simply Ronaldo.
ai???When Cristiano played for Manchester United there were signs that he was a world class player,ai??? said the Liverpool skipper.
ai???The figures he produced for Manchester United were very, very good. But his game has gone on to another level.
ai???Now he is arguably the best player in the world. He has improved each year.
The numbers and goals he scores now, he is setting new records and taking the game to another level.
ai???He is phenomenal, but it would be very disrespectful if we just worry about Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid are full of fantastic players.
ai???But my main concern is my team-mates and it’s important we try to perform well collectively and make it as difficult as possible for Real Madrid.ai???
After a difficult start to the season, Gerrard is sure his teammates will up their game for the clash Anfield.
“We slipped up in Switzerland so we now have to take something out of either of the games against Real,” he told reporters.
“I think our best chance is at home but the plan is to get something out of both games. We must focus on this one first and we have got to get some kind of a result. Beating Real Madrid is a big ask but it is possible. A result in the first game would certainly help us get out of the group and I think a performance is due.
“The performance at QPR wasn’t good enough, everyone knows that, but I think everyone will respect that, when Real Madrid come into town, it is a different game to get yourself up for.
“I think most places Real Madrid go, with the current players and the form they are in, they are expected to win most games,” he added. “I understand that. I even understand we are the underdogs but, with the atmosphere we have here and the players raising their game, I think it might be possible to cause an upset.”
Yet Gerrard admits that every member of Brendan Rodgers’s starting XI needs to be “right on it” to avoid a humiliating defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s side, whom he concedes are “deadly on the counterattack”.
“I think every player in the dressing room realises that we can’t have any passengers against opposition of Real Madrid’s quality or we will get beat convincingly,” Gerrard told reporters.
“That applies to me personally as well. Everyone who is picked for the Real Madrid game, from the starting XI to the subs, has to be on their game. We are playing against the best side in Europe and, if we have just two or three passengers, it can become embarrassing.
“You can’t just say: ‘Oh it’s nice to be in the Champions League again.’ We are about to be judged. The message to the players is simple. We need a performance.”
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