Gerrard said: "This season is a fresh start for everyone under the new manager and so far I have been very impressed with him.
"The manager spoke to us as soon as we reported back and he stressed that we have to concentrate on each game. He said we have to think about winning the next game and not set ourselves targets we then fail to achieve. That is what happened to us last season.
"Now the target is the next game but there is no question we need a huge improvement and to be serious challengers from the first day of the new season. Djibril will help us a lot in that respect.
"I understand the manager's point and appreciate it, but deep down we know it is always going to be about winning trophies. That's the bottom line."