By David Maddock
Steven Gerrard has a simple message to Liverpool’s gathering critics: “Judge us after the FA Cup Final”.
The Anfield skipper has responded to continuing searching questions about his team’s puzzling under-performance in the Premier League, by insisting the season will be deemed a success if they can defeat Chelsea at Wembley.
Gerrard accepts the league form has not been good enough, but as Liverpool prepare to visit London for a second major final of the season, he argued that winning trophies is the lifeblood of the club.
“We will assess the season after the weekend. If we can look back and say we have won two cups, then we will be happy,” he insisted.
“People will judge us after Saturday. People will say, ‘You haven’t done well in the league’ but if we can say, ‘Yes, but we have won two cups’, I think that’s a fair argument.
“This club is all about winning trophies, big trophies, and the FA Cup comes under that – silverware is success. That’s why we play the game.
“Some of the biggest experiences we have had over the years are from winning cups – the European Cup, the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup, the Carling Cup. Those are the nights and days that you look back on with fond memories.”
Liverpool’s limp defeat at home to Fulham on Tuesday was hardly the best preparation for the final, and Gerrard accepts the league form hasn’t been acceptable for a club of Liverpool’s size.
But manager Kenny Dalglish rested nine players for the game, and the Reds will be a very different proposition at Wembley as they look for their third major triumph there in less than three months.
If they can defeat Champions League finalists Chelsea, then it will make Liverpool the most successful English side outside the champions, and Gerrard insists that will provide a platform to improve the Premier League standing next season.
“We hope it can kick-start us for next season. We are all aware we have underachieved in the league and the squad of players is certainly better than where we are. We will assess the season and if we win two trophies I think it would alleviate the pressure slightly.
“We need to address the problem of our league position, we know that. But winning at Wembley would provide the confidence that allows you to move forward.
“That will help the younger players in the squad. Winning breeds confidence and you want more. That’s what we want on Saturday.”
Manager Dalglish also believes too much has been made of the league form, considering that his side have achieved something Arsenal, Tottenham and one of the Manchester clubs won’t this season – lift a trophy.
Winning the FA Cup Final will alleviate the pressure on the Scot who, like Gerrard,has always maintained winning trophies is what Liverpool are ultimately about.
“Getting to the FA Cup Final is never to be undermined, overlooked or underestimated. It’s a fantastic day out for everyone and a great reward for our effort and commitment and respect for the competition we have shown,” he explained.
“There is an obsession with the Premier League because of what it holds for every club and the financial value and the rewards you get for finishing in the top four and getting into the Champions League, and I can understand that.
“But there’s a satisfaction to winning a cup competition that you don’t get from finishing fifth or sixth in the league.”
Dalglish has almost a full squad to select from as he ponders his side for Saturday, with only long-term casualties Lucas and Charlie Adam missing.
