Gerrard: It feels like LFC again

The captain admits he's impressed with the set up Fenway Sports Group have constructed since acquiring the club, with Damien Comolli brought in as Director of Football, Ian Ayre promoted to the position of Managing Director and, of course, the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as team manager.

"Now the structure of the club from top to bottom seems to be right," Gerrard told LFC Weekly.

"The new owners are making the right decisions. They've put Damien (Comolli) as a director of football, which is a good appointment. Ian Ayre is the new MD - again positive.

"And Kenny's back too and he's Liverpool through and through. It feels more like a solid structure and it feels more like Liverpool.

"People are only talking about the new team now, which is the way it should be for me."

The return of Dalglish in January was one of many successful big decisions Fenway Sports Group have taken since taking over the club.

The iconic Scot revitalised Liverpool's fortunes in the second half of 2010-11, taking them from 12^th in the Barclays Premier League table to within a whisker of securing European qualification.

Gerrard pinpoints Dalglish's man management skills as a key factor in his turnaround of the Reds' form.

"It's his qualities as a human being that make him a special manager," he said. "Every player knows that his door is always open whatever problem you have. But that doesn't mean he's too soft - the opposite infact. If he's unhappy he'll let you know about it.

"His management skills are second to none because he knows when someone needs an arm around them and understands when someone needs a rollicking as well."

He added: "What is definitely evident now is that with a bit of maturity and extra time on the pitch we have better players than some thought we had."

Of the changes Dalglish has implemented, a rise in the tempo of training sessions has been of major benefit, according to Gerrard.

"The training has been simplified and now it's close to match tempo," he said. "Steve Clarke and Sammy (Lee) are both very good coaches and together they work well. You don't want to miss a single session.

"If the training is competitive you get in the right habits. You get used to working at a tempo and it's easier to take it into the games. I don't know whether I'm right but it's just how I feel." 

News of Dalglish's permanent three-year deal with the club earlier this month was greeted with delight by supporters.

A change in atmosphere around Anfield has been evident since January, and Gerrard feels the 60-year-old has helped solidify the unity between players and fans.

"A new manager comes in, he puts a load of belief and confidence into the players, he brings a different coach and training changes, the players enjoy the sessions and the fans are delighted with Kenny coming back," he said.

"The supporters here play such a huge role, maybe more than at any other club. Without being disrespectful to other crowds, I'm not sure they could lift their team anywhere near as much as a Liverpool crowd can.

"When a Liverpool crowd is up for it and behind the team, its unbelievable - the feeling you get stepping out onto the pitch, you feel stronger, knowing you're going to win.

"I can't emphasise enough how their support is helpful to us. The players all appreciate it. They have won us games over the years, dragging us over the line. They'll do it again too. The fans are a massive part of this club. They are the club."