Steven Gerrard: Liverpool must spend big to compete with Premier League giants

Posted Monday, May 11, 2015 by Express.co.uk

Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool's owners to dig deep this summer and provide the funds to allow Brendan Rodgers to replenish his squad and transform them into contenders again.

Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool to spend big for next season

Liverpool saw their slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season effectively ended despite Gerrard conjuring his first goal against Chelsea in 10 years and cancel out John Terry's opener in a low-key 1-1 draw.

Manchester United are now six points clear of their rivals in fourth place and boast a far superior goal difference, with Liverpool destined for the Europa League.

Gerrard delivered a parting shot to the Chelsea fans who briefly applauded him on his last appearance at Stamford Bridge before his summer move to LA Galaxy, but his most pertinent message was to the club's hierarchy, Fenway Sports Group.

"It's important the lads get some rest after these last couple of games and the owners dig deep and help Brendan and the lads out and try and make some additions," said Gerrard, who led Liverpool in forming a guard of honour to the champions before kick-off.

"There is a great core of players here, with terrific potential, and the future is looking alright. But it is important that you try and compete with the giant clubs in the league because they are all going to spend big."

"We found that out this year. We lost Luis Suarez, we haven't had Daniel Sturridge available and it's been pretty tough."

"You finish in the league how you perform over 38 games and this year we have just come up a bit short."

Rodgers added: "We sit in fifth place and that's probably where we're at. If we want to make the next steps, we need to find some acquisitions in the summer to help us do that."

Mourinho gave a full Premier League debut to home-grown 19-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek and insists keeping his squad together will be crucial for next season.

"The first thing I want is to keep my players," he said. "We are going to do that. Last year I was keen to see some people leave, and our club to raise some funds to buy other players. But this season I'm so happy with what my squad gave me that, for me, it is fundamental to keep my players and try and get the best out of them."