TNT Sports
Gerrard spoiling for fight
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Published 19/05/2005 at 18:51 GMT+1
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has warned AC Milan not to expect a walkover in next week's Champions League final. Gerrard admits the Italians are favourites, but says Liverpool's poor Premiership form is no guide to their ability in Europe.
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"We have always been the underdogs and we will be the underdogs on the 25th in Istanbul," Gerrard said. "Everyone thinks Milan will just have to turn up to beat us.
"But they will be in for a real big fight. We are up for it and we are confident that we will be able to surprise everyone again."
He added: "AC Milan won the trophy a couple of years ago and know what to expect, but we have done well in Europe beating Juventus and Chelsea and we are confident that we can get the right result in Istanbul."
Gerrard said they respected Milan but had no fear. "We have watched the tapes of them and we know they are beatable," he told reporters.
"PSV played very well in the two semi-final legs, but I don't think we saw the real Milan in that game.
"We have seen their two games with Manchester United, so we know they are a fantastic side and have world-class players all through their team.
"But we have world-class players and have played really well in Europe and I am sure all our boys are hungry and desperate to win it."
Gerrard believes winning the trophy should mean Liverpool earn a place in next season's competition despite failing to secure a qualifying spot through the English league.
"We are obviously not happy with our league form and finished outside the top four,'' he said.
"So we need to win in Turkey and put pressure on people in UEFA to allow us back into the tournament next season."
Gerrard said Liverpool's players had feared they would not survive past their final group game against Olympiakos at Anfield in December when the England midfielder scored a crucial third goal.
"We have been huge underdogs in this run and the Chelsea games were both amazing atmospheres," he said.
"But you would have to go a long way to beat the Olympiakos night when we had to score three times in the second half to get through."
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