Gerrard gives Benitez backing

Steven Gerrard is convinced Liverpool can win the title under new coach Rafael Benitez.

The England midfielder has given the club a boost ahead of the new season by agreeing to remain at Anfield instead of moving away, possibly to Chelsea.

And, with £14million striker Djibril Cisse now on board, Liverpool are looking to improve on fourth place.

"I wouldn't have stayed if I didn't think we could win the league," said Gerrard.

"That is what we are all aiming for. That is what this club should be about.

"I think we've got a great manager and I'm looking forward to working with him. I've spoken to him a couple of times on the phone and he's told me what he wants to do with the club."

Gerrard is anxious to make up ground on the big three - Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

"We need to close the points gap and show we are moving in the right direction, to be right among them, " he told LFC magazine.

"If we can win a trophy it would mean everything to me to lift it as Liverpool captain. It would make me very proud."

Gerrard added: "I'm not going to say win the Champions League because that would be unrealistic, although we'd love to do it."