• Premier League

Time for new signings to deliver - Gerrard

ESPN staff
November 16, 2011
Steven Gerrard will not be fit for Liverpool's Sunday showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge © Getty Images
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Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has allowed his new team-mates time to settle at the club, but now he is demanding they perform to the standards expected at Anfield.

Gerrard has been buoyed by the summer arrivals of Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and co. but he admits they have taken time to understand the culture of the club. Each player has shown signs of quality in the opening stages of the season, but the skipper is demanding that high-quality performances become the norm, not the exception.

"I think the squad is looking stronger, probably the strongest we've had for a long time. Now it's all about delivering," Gerrard told Liverpool's official website. "The tools are all there, now we need to work hard, focus on each game and try to build on what we've shown over the last 20 or so games.

"I think you have to realise that this club is different to most others. The pressure is different because you have to win every game. The fans demand not just effort, but quality. With all due respect, at some other places you get away with performances that simply aren't good enough.

"At Liverpool your standards have got to be so high every single week. You have to perform every time. That's what I've had to do every year and that's what the new lads are coming to terms with."

Liverpool hope to have Luis Suarez fit to face Chelsea this weekend, after the diminutive forward skipped Uruguay's midweek fixture with Italy due to a back complaint. The Reds beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last season without the need to start Suarez, and Gerrard warned the Blues they will not know how good the Uruguayan is until they come to face to face with him on Sunday.

"To see Luis day in, day out has been a real eye-opener for me," Gerrard said. "I knew he was a good player. Having worked with him on a regular basis I think he has the potential to be one of the best in the world."

Liverpool also hope to have Jamie Carragher fit for the trip to Stamford Bridge after the defender's recent calf problem.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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