Steven: There's still so much to achieve
Steven Gerrard has trained his sights on more success at Liverpool before he plays his final game in red at the end of this season.
The captain announced on Friday that he will bring the curtain down on a 26-year association with the club in order to pursue a new adventure in the United States this summer.
After a weekend of reflection, which featured touching tributes from all around the footballing world, it was normal service resumed for Gerrard against AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup on Monday night.
Like on so many memorable occasions down the years, the skipper proved decisive as he struck both Liverpool goals - his second a sublime free-kick - to secure the Reds a place in the fourth round of the competition.
It was another step forward for the team, who are currently competing on three fronts in the cup competitions as well as targeting a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League - and Gerrard is determined to steer the side towards their goals.
"I knew there would be a bit of fuss for a few days but I wanted to get it out there and then put it to bed before we played our FA Cup tie and concentrate on my football," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"There is still so much to be achieved between now and May. It's been well documented we're not in the league position we want to be in. The aim going forward is to put that right.
"I still believe we can break into the top four. There is a seven-point gap but we've got the talent to make that up.
"We know where we're going wrong. We've been conceding cheap goals and once we stop doing that we'll move up the table."
He added: "Everyone knows how important it will be to get Daniel Sturridge back fit and available. He's such a big player for us.
"We need to put a good run together like we did in the second half of last season. I want to leave with Liverpool in the Champions League.
"We're in the semi-finals of the League Cup, we're starting out in the FA Cup and there's a big incentive with the Europa League knowing that the winners qualify for the Champions League. There's so much to play for."
Gerrard wants success with Liverpool this season first and foremost - and while the midfielder will look to prolong his playing days Stateside, he also intends to begin learning his trade as a coach in the near future.
"I want to get my qualifications over the next couple of years while I'm away and try to learn the coaching side of it," said the 34-year-old.
"Then I'll decide whether I want to be a coach or stay involved in the game when I stop playing. Management is a possibility for the future. It's a dream and aspiration of mine.
"Hopefully after I finish playing I'll be in a position to serve Liverpool again. But I don't want to manage Liverpool or any other club because I've been a good player or because I'm Steven Gerrard.
"You have to get a certain level of experience over a period of time. If I feel I can do well at it then I'll go down that route."