Boss praised

Last updated : 08 May 2009 By Al Campbell
The skipper says Benitez's man-management means it's a pleasure to play for Liverpool at the moment.

"It is an absolute pleasure to play in this Liverpool team - I really mean that," Gerrard told official publication LFC Magazine.

"We've got world-class players, we've turned in some fantastic displays of attacking football and some really, really solid defensive performances.

"There are no stars in this team, or no one with any airs or graces. We're one unit, we work hard for each other and we all pull in the same direction.

"We've got absolutely everything you need to be successful at the very highest level.

"We've got players making an impact from the start and boys coming off the bench and affecting the game. I've got to pay tribute to the manager because it's difficult for him picking only 11 players for the starting line-up.

"Keeping the lads on the bench and those who have missed out on the squad in the frame of mind to make a significant contribution is a difficult task, but Rafa's been able to do that this season.

"That's not an easy balancing act but he manages it brilliantly. He and his coaches keep everyone hungry and ready when they've been needed. As a player now you can't be selfish. Certainly, you can't be selfish at Liverpool.

"It's a squad game, and if you're not in the starting line-up you can't be thinking, 'I'm giving in'.

"They've instilled this winning mentality in us. It's simple really - it's been drummed into us since the boss came to the club.

"No matter how the game's going, no matter what the scoreline is, or no matter how you might be playing personally, you keep doing the right things all the time and keep going until the end."