Steven Gerrard today called on his Liverpool teammates to rise to the challenge of putting one foot into the last sixteen of the Europa League with victory over Unirea Urziceni this evening.
The Reds host the Romanian champions in the first leg of the knock-out tie and although not the Champions League football Liverpool crave at this stage of the season, Gerrard draws on his own experience to claim the Europa League is well worth winning.
"It's very dangerous to bet against Liverpool, especially when our backs are to the wall," he said."
"This season has been inconsistent and hasn't gone to plan. But, for me as captain and for the team, we've got one more trophy to lift. So we'll be giving everything. Anyone who underestimates the Europa League is not for me because I've lifted the UEFA Cup before.
"It's a special trophy, and was a superb final. Hopefully we can experience the same feeling this season.
"I've always found in Europe that Liverpool have more problems against less well-known teams because of the surprise factor.
"To play Liverpool is a big game for Unirea and they'll be looking for a big upset and will be very dangerous.
"But (manager) Rafa (Benitez) will make sure that the team is prepared."
Tagged: europa league , gerrard. unirea , steven gerrard , unirea urzeceni