SportsRooter.com: Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard on how Rodgers reacted to his slip

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has opened up on the infamous slip incident which cost Liverpool their first ever Premier League. Gerrard has revealed in his autobiography, how the then Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers reacted to the incident.

Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard

Liverpool were flying high in the league and were the most entertaining team in the league with Suarez and Sturridge on top form. Gerrard was also playing well for the team and they were top of the table and on a 16 match unbeaten run going into the game against Chelsea.

Chelsea fielded a weakened team at Anfield after their European trip but they defended resolutely before Steven Gerrard miscontrolled a pass and slipped, only for Demba Ba to run away with the ball and score to put Chelsea ahead.

Liverpool would then draw with Crystal Palace after letting a 3 goal lead slip and ultimately were pipped to the title by Manchester City. The turning point in the title hunt was Gerrard's slip and the midfielder has been haunted by that memory ever since.

He says in his book that he cried after the game and was deeply disappointed that he cost his beloved team their chance to win a first Premier League trophy. He has given a whole chapter in his book dedicated to that slip at Anfield and he writes in detail how Brendan Rodgers reacted to the slip at half time.

Gerrard writes about Rodgers in his autobiography -
"I had been straining the whole half to make something happen, so had Luis [Suarez],"
"Chelsea just kept blunting us. And then I’d slipped. The dressing room was hushed."
“Look,if anyone deserves to be bailed out it’s him.Your captain needs you to all pay him back. The amount of times he’s pulled this club out of a mess and changed impossible situations and got players out of trouble are the stuff of legend."

"Now it’s time you repay him. You’ve got forty-five minutes to do it.Stevie, forget it,It happens. Let’s all go out and win this game. We can do it.”

VIDEO: John Terry shoots for charity, nominates ex-Chelsea teammates

Since there are no league games this week, John Terry dedicated his time doing charity. He decided to spend his spare time helping an organization raise money for a good cause.

John Terry

The initiative, called Shoot For Love is a charity campaign for child cancer.

The Chelsea skipper had to shoot on to a huge bullseye and each shot would raise donation, depending on where the ball hits.

After completing his 10 shots, Terry also nominated his ex-teammates Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. He also nominated former Liverpool skipper and England teammate Steven Gerrard.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Stevie G Loving 'Z list' Celebrity Status in Hollywood

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is enjoying the celebrity status in America following his move to MLS side LA Galaxy this summer.

Steven Gerrard with his family

The 35-year-old who ended a 17 years stint at Merseyside expressed his relief at walking down streets 'without being stopped every five minutes'.

“I couldn’t be happier right now. I’ve gone from not being able to walk down a street without being stopped every five minutes to being a Z-lister out here and that’s cool. I love it," he told Hello! magazine.

The former Liverpool and England captain reminisced about his humble upbringing in Whiston, Merseyside and admitted that it would always make him stay grounded and modest.

"We’re very lucky, I know that. I grew up on a council estate and will always remain grounded and humble. But this is mind-blowing.”

Gerrard, his wife Alex and their three daughters are renting a whopping $18m (£12m), six-bedroom mansion in Beverly Hills that once housed singer Mariah Carey – during his 18-month contract with LA Galaxy.

“I’ve become a cool dad all of a sudden because I can take the kids out and no-one interferes,” he added.

“We can take them to the park, the beach, fairgrounds, water parks and be there for six hours and I might hear one person say my name and they’re not even sure if it’s me, so I just smile. The kids have been shocked I’m around and can do more things with them.”

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A photo posted by Steven Gerrard (@stevengerrard) on Sep 6, 2015 at 11:00am PDT

Gerrard also confessed that he looks forward to spending Christmas with family and friends in Liverpool without being involved in the hectic Premier League schedule.

He said: “We’re going to have a house party in Liverpool and it’ll be nice to have a couple of beers like everyone else can.

“Then we’ll go away for New Year, which we’ve never been able to do before. We’ll always have Christmas in England because we love being cosy at home with the kids and all the presents and have family time.”

The Liverpool legend won two FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League among others during his time in the North East of England.

Players that can replace Gerrard - 5

5. Sami Khedira

Khedira is undoubtedly one of the most dominant central midfielders in European football and he proved it by his sensational performance in Germany’s 7-1 mauling of Brazil at last summer’s World Cup.

Sami Khedira

The Real Madrid midfielder has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team of late though. Although injuries could be blamed for that, but Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are Carlo Ancelotti’s undisputed first-choice pairing in the middle of the park for Los Blancos.

The 27-years-old is a complete midfielder in many ways. He is very strong, powerful and defensively sound but also a force going forward, with a great amount of experience.

The German will turn 28 in April, which means that he is still in his peak years, and guaranteed first-team football may well tempt him to leave Real Madrid.

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Preview: Manchester United vs Liverpool

Manchester United vs Liverpool

Crashing out of the Champions League, a quest in the Premier League not as blistering as last year and Manchester United is next. The form side in England awaits them. Form goes out the window on derby day, but its difficult to see the Anfield side winning. Brendan Rodgers' failure to sign a capable striker is a contributing factor. Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini have all been incapable to steer the Kop side forward. Raheem Sterling looks tired, while Steven Gerrard has shown flashes of his genius. Daniel Sturridge is greatly missed and his return will spark the Liverpool revival. For now their season will seesaw!

Manchester United have had several injury worries and the defense has lacked cohesion or consistency. Despite winning five on the trot they have been less than convincing. Is it a mark of the champions? Win despite playing poorly. The Reds defense has been better with Kolo Toure part of it, but the Ivorian has not had a good run in the side. United have had less fortune at the back with all combination struggling. Up front however United are looking sharper, and does not look like Liverpool will have an answer for their attack. With Di Maria likely to return this could be a one-sided contest. A United win could confirm United as title contenders and not just a European spot.

Referee was key in last year's matches especially the Old Trafford contest. Liverpool were awarded a couple of penalties and if history has its way expect a spot kick or two.

Key Players- Steven Gerrard and Robin van Persie
Steven Gerrard has a habit of scoring against United and chances are United will concede a goal from the Reds legend. Robin van Persie has finally started to get to his old form once again. The Dutch forward could be the difference as he looks to steer United not just back to Europe but challenging for the title.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2

Captain Marvel: Steven Gerrard

10 years ago today, Steven Gerrard scored the famous goal against Olympiakos to send Liverpool trough to the knockout stages of the Champions League in the 2014/15 season, which eventually lead to triumph in Instanbul to hand The Reds their 5th European Cup.

Steven Gerrard [Image from flickr by Ruaraidh Gillies]

On the back of unimpressive goalless draw against Sunderland on Saturday, Liverpool go into tomorrow's crunch tie in the final round of the Champions League group stages needing nothing less than a victory against Swiss champions, FC Basel.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has come under a lot of scrutiny after a poor start to the season. Rodgers also has been heavily criticized for selection of his captain.

Gerrard was a key figure in Liverpool's title chase last season providing a creative spark and shielding the defence in a 'holding midfielder' role. However, Gerrard's defensive qualities have been put into question this season which has lead to him playing in a more advanced role and a more direct threat.

The change of position for the captain has been much welcomed by the Liverpool fans and were delighted midweek when he scored against Leicester in a 3-1 victory.

With Gerrard back where he belongs,, Come Tuesday night at Anfield could 'Captain Fantastic' roll back the years and make the difference once again to bring back the glory days at Anfield.

Article contributed by: Muhammad Pochee Cassim

Twitter: @FutbolMoe

Transfer Rumors - Liverpool

Liverpool FC [Image from Flickr by: ShakeFrog]

Lucas Leiva: Recent events have indicated that Liverpool Midfielder, Lucas Leiva, will exit the club in the January transfer window. Leiva’s agent, Henrique Coelho, admits that the departure is most likely occurring, “Is it possible that Lucas could leave Liverpool in January? Yes, naturally.” Lucas has only managed two premier league starts under Brendan Rodgers, and has expressed his frustrations about this before. However, Lucas Leiva has indicated in various situations how much the Club means to him and how much he appreciates the supporters. Red’s midfielder was put on the starting line-up against Real Madrid in the Champions league clash and performed admirably. However, he was later benched the following games, and has not started since. The frustrated midfielder has looked into the likes of Napoli where he would reunite with former manager, Rafa Benitez. The Spanish manager has always appreciated Lucas Leiva. The two really like each other, and would therefore be a likely move for the Brazilian.

Glen Johnson: Glen Johnson, the 30 year-old right back, came to the club in 2009 and since then has played a vital part of the team. In the past couple of weeks, however, rumors of his exit have come about. It was said that the Liverpool right back rejected a contract extension at Liverpool to try his luck at AC Milan. There were setbacks in the new contract purposed by Liverpool in regards to money. 50 percent pay cut was rumored to be among the reasons why the Johnson rejected the contract. No doubt the fans would be happy about his exit, as he has not performed well for the club in the recent matches.

Fabio Borini: During the summer transfer window, Fabio Borini’s future became questionable at both Liverpool and Sunderland. While most assumed the Italian striker would be sold to Sunderland, he was brought back after the loan and stayed at Liverpool. Borini hasn’t done much for the club since. He started against Real Madrid and made an impact as he linked up with Lambert, but has been left on the bench since, and is often not even a consideration for Brendan Rodgers. Inter Milan have joined the race to sign the Italian after Sunderland. Gus Poyet wishes to bring back the striker for his second loan spell at the club.

Steven Gerrard: Captain Fantastic, the image of Liverpool, Steven Gerrard could be facing an exit from the club he most loves. Supporters are in disbelief that Liverpool captain may leave during the January transfer window. Although talks between Gerrard and the Club are still ongoing, time is ticking and the transfer window is fast approaching. Gerrard has stated that he doesn't wish to leave the club, “that’s Liverpool’s decision.” He explained that it is not him making his decision over his future, but Liverpool is. If a future at Liverpool is no longer available, Gerrard will look at offers from other clubs as he doesn't plan to retire after his season.

Article contributed by: ‎Lissette Becherano

Twitter: @Lizzy_becherano

Is Steven Gerrard's contract situation similar to that of Frank Lampard's?

Steven Gerrard Joined Liverpool academy at the age 9, and made his first team appearance November 29, 1998. Since then he has become a legend, and integral part of Liverpool Football Club.

Steven Gerrard [Image from Flickr by: Calcio Mercato]

After 15 years and 684 appearances, Steven Gerrard, nicknamed Captain Fantastic, has become the face and image of the club. He became captain in 2003, succeeding Sami Hyypia, and has successfully led Liverpool to many victories since then. In 2005, Steven Gerrard captained Liverpool Football as they won the Champions League against all odds in Istanbul against AC Milan. The skipper has claimed that the 2005 Champions league final is one of his proudest moments as Liverpool Capptain. Football legends worldwide praise the Liverpool legend, and admire his talents of leading others on and off the pitch.

Football icon, Zinedine Zidane, has expressed his feelings about Steven Gerrard by saying ""He has great passing ability, can tackle and score goals, but most importantly he gives the players around him confidence and belief. You can't learn that -- players like him are just born with that presence"", Zidane said of the Liverpool captain in 2009.

After almost 11 years as Liverpool captain, today Steven Gerrard is struggling to get a contract to stay at Liverpool. Because of that, rumors have begun discussing the fact that in January, when his contract expires, he will transfer to another club. Transfer rumors regarding Steven Gerrard include those about Intermilan and New York City Football Club, along with Lampard eventually.

Other rumors however, have stated that Liverpool by no means want to let Stevie go, and will soon offer him a contract. Though time is ticking, and the January transfer window is right around the corner, which makes supporters wonder, and panic about Captain Fantastic’s situation. Is this going to be another Frank Lampard situation? During the summer transfer window, during the world cup, Frank Lampard, Chelsea legend, was put up for sale, quite rudely, and transferred to Manchester City as a last resort. Chelsea was criticized heavily for their actions, especially by Liverpool supports, but is Liverpool about to do the same thing? Liverpool supporters argue that they are different from the “rent boys”, and therefore selling Gerrard in that way would be something anti-Liverpool like. Supporters certainly do not want Gerrard to end his career somewhere that is not Liverpool Football Club, however, as of now, it looks like that is what is going to occur. Brendan Rodgers has publically said that his plan is to keep Gerrard at Liverpool, but the question is why hasn’t he made it secure yet? It would be completely disrespectful to have Steven Gerrard end his career with Liverpool this way after dedicating most of his life to the club.

Steven Gerrard isn’t the only one without a new contract, Suso, Fabio Borini, and Glen Johnson, are still waiting for their contracts as offers are rushing in from other clubs. One can only assume that the club is waiting to give these players a new contract at the same time, but supporters can only hope. The January transfer window will be an interesting one for Liverpool.