Gerrard revises Reds target

12 April 2012

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted a top-four finish is now a more realistic aim than winning the Barclays Premier League this season.

The Reds, one of the pre-season title favourites after finishing second last year, have fallen 13 points behind leaders Chelsea after a poor run of form throughout October and November. Rafael Benitez's side cannot progress to the knockout phase of the Champions League either and Gerrard accepts trying to qualify for Europe's elite competition again next year must be their top priority.

"I think we have to be realistic. At the moment we're out of the title race, but we will keep trying to get back in it," Gerrard told talkSPORT.

"There is still a lot of football to be played and it is possible to turn it around, but I think Chelsea are looking really strong at the moment.

"But our main target is to get back into the top four. We're coming off the back of a fantastic win at Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn and try and go on a run of games where we can get closer to the teams above us."

Gerrard, 29, is due to make his 500th appearance for the Anfield club in Saturday's home encounter with Blackburn.

The homegrown product made his debut against the same opposition as a last-minute substitute 11 years ago.

He has since gone on to become a club legend with highlights including inspirational performances in the Champions League and FA Cup final wins of 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Gerrard added: "It means everything to me personally. I'm a local boy and my dream when I was young was always just to play one game for Liverpool. So to reach this milestone is a really proud moment for my family and myself."

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