Hamann wants to stay at Liverpool
Steven Gerrard has admitted that sometimes his affection for Liverpool might cloud his judgement and lead him to make hasty statements.
But the Anfield skipper has pleaded with supporters to recognise him as one of their own, the keenest fan of the club who also happens to be the dynamic force in the Reds midfield.
Gerrard’s hunger for titles and trophies has led him to question the board’s appetite, demanding that they match his ambition to justify his decision to spurn the chance to join Chelsea six months ago.
He wants to see Liverpool in the market for the best players, those such as Real Madrid’s Fernando Morientes who increasingly looks set for a move to Merseyside in January.
And now that manager Rafael Benitez is taking strides towards galvanising the team in all departments, Gerrard could hardly be happier with the club’s momentum.
“The fans at this club have been great to me ever since the day I made my debut,” said Gerrard.
“I feel they have always been behind me and recently I know there have been some people looking for a few of the fans to turn against me after certain comments I have made.
“It is important that the supporters know I didn’t say those things from a selfish point of view.
“All the comments I have made have been because I love this club and truly want to be successful.
“I want us to do everything we can as a club to be winning trophies again and I want to be part of a successful Liverpool.”
If Morientes is needing any encouragement as to why Liverpool offer him the chance to further his career, then the likes of Gerrard and Dietmar Hamann provide it with their passion for the club.
Like Gerrard, who would spark a frenzied chase for his signature should he perform an about-turn and ask for a transfer, German midfield anchorman Hamann is also looking to commit himself to the Reds.
Gerrard has stated that his contractual commitment to Liverpool until 2007 represents more than just a piece of paper. He is keen to shape the team’s future, and the same can be said for Hamann.
He may be out of contract in the summer, but Hamann has no intention of leaving the club and is eager for a new deal.
“I want to stay here,” he told www.liverpoolfc.tv.
“I have no intention of going anywhere else and therefore have not spoken to any other club.
“We are talking about a new contract and my focus is on Liverpool and hopefully I have also got a few more years left here.”
Benitez, meanwhile, admits that the next fortnight will shape Liverpool’s season – for better or for worse.
St Stephen's Day's trip to West Brom launches their festive campaign, with Southampton, Chelsea and Norwich awaiting. Then, after the rapid-fire run of league fixtures, comes the FA Cup tie against Burnley on January 7.
Benitez said: “This is such an important time with 12 points on offer. If we can come through it and be closer to the top four, that will be excellent.
“But if we lose this opportunity then maybe the second half of the season will be a lot more difficult.”
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