Happy Gerrard can handle hecklers

by MATT LAWTON

Last updated at 09:53 31 August 2006

When the headline that accompanied the serialisation of his new book suggested he wanted Manchester United 'to die', Steven Gerrard probably identified Old Trafford and a Manchester comedy club as two places to avoid.

Unfortunately, for the Liverpool captain, that has proved rather difficult this week. Not only do England begin their European Championship qualifying campaign at United's home on Saturday with a match against Andorra, but Steve McClaren thought it would be good for team morale if he took all his charges for a night of stand-up.

"One of the guys up there was a Manchester United fan, so you can guess who he picked on first," said Gerrard with a smile. "He was right after me but I think I handled it quite well."

At Old Trafford, however, he might find the reception a little warmer. Not so much a Theatre of Dreams but a Theatre of Screams, all in the direction of a now not-so-favourite Scouser.

"I'm not too sure if I'll be booed," he said before a member of the media asked him if it would worry him. "Not really. I have got to focus on the job, make sure my performance is right. I'm not used to getting a good welcome at Old Trafford anyway.

"But I'd like Manchester United fans to really understand my views. I'd like to get things cleared up. The headlines in the two serialisations were bang out of order. A bit strong. A bit over the top. I have fantastic respect for Manchester United.

"But when I cross the white line against them, I'm desperate to win. I will do anything in my powers to win and that was all I was saying."

The United players he meets on international duty do not appear to bear a grudge. "At the comedy club a Scouser got up and a few of them got a bit,' he said. 'It was enjoyable. When we got on the bus everyone was laughing. The team spirit was there straight away within a couple of hours. That was the idea of the night."

Motivational tool

And, in Gerrard's opinion, a very good idea. In those same recently-published memoirs he was critical of England's over-confidence and their inability to perform as a team. But that is a weakness he believes McClaren and his staff have also identified and are now endeavouring to put right.

"In the past, in some of our performances, we never played as a team," he said. "We were all guilty of being too individual. There haven't been divisions. But we had meetings with Steve and he wants us to have a club atmosphere. He wants us out of our rooms, doing activities together. If we improve team spirit he feels it will show on the pitch. It certainly did against Greece earlier this month.

"Although that's just one game and it's important not to get carried away. We have to become a consistent team because that's the only way to be successful at this level. We have to become a good team before we can believe we can win one of these big tournaments. That's what I was saying in the book.

"In all the interviews during the World Cup we kept saying we could win it. But there's no use just talking the talk."

The disappointment of Germany is still being employed as a motivational tool. "I've noticed that everyone in the squad still hurts from the World Cup," said Gerrard. "We're still desperate to drive ourselves on in the future.

"We can't afford to dwell on the past. What is important is what happens in the future. But we mustn't forget. Instead we should use the hurt and failure to drive us on. That's what I am trying to do."

Remarkable comeback

Playing in the right position helps and Gerrard certainly appreciated being selected in an attacking midfield role against Greece. Under Sven Goran Eriksson he often found life a lot less satisfying, especially when he was asked to play as a second striker.

"Everyone knows that when I play on the right I'm not going to be Aaron Lennon and go past 10 defenders and cross," he said. "I'm going to get on the ball and influence the game with my passing and come inside and link up with the forwards. Having Gary Neville behind me against Greece made my job a lot easier. He provides a great platform."

Gary will be missing with injury this weekend but Gerrard might find that younger brother Phil is drafted in as replacement, which should not present too much of a problem given how well Neville has started the season at Everton.

It would represent a remarkable comeback for a player who has not made a competitive England appearance since coming on as a substitute against Portugal in Euro 2004.

"I didn't think the manager was right to leave me out," said Neville. "I was good enough to be in the squad. At a club if you don't get to play you can demand a move. But it's so special playing for this country, you have to fight on. I will only retire from international football when I retire altogether."

Gerrard will like Neville's attitude, if nothing else.