Gerrard: I want to enjoy it but I also want to win
The pressure may be much less intense than he has experienced before but Steven Gerrard insists he does not intend to leave Australia without helping Liverpool FC Legends record a victory in Sydney.
The former Reds captain will be back in the colours of his beloved club on Thursday as a squad brimming with quality from the past takes on the Australian Legends at the ANZ Stadium.
It is a Legends debut for the midfielder following his departure to LA Galaxy last summer and fans can watch his return live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO at 8.30am GMT.
If Gerrard has his way, those tuning in to the contest will see Liverpool produce a match-winning performance and one the side’s skipper is determined to relish.
“It’s excitement, for me,” he told Liverpoolfc.com at the team hotel.
“There has always been pressure and all eyes on me when I have put a Liverpool shirt on, I know that’s not going to change. But I’m here to enjoy it.
“I want to play well and I want to win the game but I also want to do that with a smile on my face, because it is different being outside the pressure of being in the proper first team. It’s all about enjoyment now.
“We’re mixing with [the Australian Legends] because we have to – press conferences and respect because they’re the opposition.
“But they know when the whistle starts, we’re going to be competing and want to beat them. And I’m sure it’s the same for them; every team that plays against Liverpool, whether it’s a friendly, exhibition match or a serious game, wants to beat them.
“We’re ready for that and we’re over here to win the game.”
Gerrard shared a dressing room with many of his Legends teammates during his incredible Anfield career but the trip to Sydney does provide an opportunity to add further to that list.
Asked for any specific targets he wanted to achieve in the game, the 35-year-old said: “It’s just to tick the box and say I’ve shared a pitch with heroes of mine like Ian Rush, John Aldridge and Bruce Grobbelaar.
“I was lucky enough to play with the Carraghers and Fowlers and all of the other players, but they are players who because of age and the generations I never had the chance to share a pitch with.
“I’m sure if we were all in our prime it would be very interesting to watch!”
The Reds squad arrived in Australia at various times on Tuesday and have therefore had the chance to catch up and reminisce before the football gets underway.
That camaraderie is a huge part of the appeal for the players involved and was evident as Gerard Houllier delivered his pre-match instructions at a team meeting.
Gerrard added: “Nothing really changes. Even though you don’t see them for a long time, you know they’re all good lads anyway because you’ve shared a dressing room with them.
“It’s a bit like a mini stag do but without all the boozing! The laughs and the banter is top-drawer and I’m certainly looking forward to hopefully a few more of these events in the future.”