The tough-tackling midfield dynamo has assumed the goalscoring burden with three goals in as many games in the new campaign, but he knows newly-formed strikeforce Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse must also add to their goal tally.
Gerrard said: "Michael's departure has put all of us under increasing pressure, especially the front two because they will be expected to deliver the goals now.
"I'm very disappointed he's gone because he was our goal machine and any team who loses Michael is going to miss him.
"It's difficult contemplating life without Michael. Of course it is. But I realise we have to move on and hopefully Rafael Benitez can turn things round and the future will be bright."
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