Steven Gerrard warns Liverpool: Winning the FA Cup won't be enough

Steven Gerrard says Liverpool need to aim higher than the FA Cup

Liverpool, who are second behind long-time leaders Chelsea, get their FA Cup campaign underway when League Two Plymouth visit Anfield on Sunday.

But Gerrard insists that even if Jurgen Klopp’s make it all the way to Wembley what Reds fans really demand is for their side to be challenging for the Premier League title come May.

"As we’ve seen last season, it certainly wasn’t enough for Manchester United,” said Gerrard of the FA Cup, a competition Liverpool have won seven times.

"A few years back Kenny Dalglish lost his job after getting to an FA Cup final and winning the League Cup.

"The priority for most of the big clubs is obviously your league position. The challenge at the beginning of the season for Liverpool is always to win a trophy.

"But when you’re Liverpool manager or player, you get judged on more than the FA Cup.”

Jurgen Klopp has led Liverpool to second place in the league

Liverpool’s last meaningful challenge for the league title came in 2014, Gerrard’s infamous slip in the defeat to Chelsea helping to end their best chance of glory for 24 years as Manchester City were ultimately crowned champions.

But Gerrard admits that a club of Liverpool’s stature should be in the title hunt every season.

He added: “The tradition of the club means the league is always your bread and butter, although every competition, every game you go into, you try and win.

"But because we’re sitting so well in the league, we’re still in the FA Cup, we’re still in the League Cup – I wouldn’t settle for the FA Cup and I don’t think the manager would or the players.

Steven Gerrard lifted the FA Cup twice with Liverpool

"They’ve got no European football, so for me they need to fight on all fronts and I certainly think they’ve got the squad to do that now.”

Gerrard won the FA Cup twice during his illustrious playing career. And leading the Reds to cup glory remains one of his career highlights.

"For me, the FA Cup was always one of the priorities at the beginning of the season,” said Gerrard.

"I love the cup and I’d never try to disrespect it because I’ve had some of the best nights and days of my life in the FA Cup and I’m absolutely proud to say I’ve won it.”