Read an exclusive interview with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after I caught up with him ahead of Liverpool`s Europa league clash with Atletico Madrid for an article published in the Spanish newspaper AS - en castellano aqui.....

GB:    How would you definelLiverpools`s season?

SG:    Frustrating. We finished second last season and started this one with the aim of winning the title and the Champions League but, after a few bad results, we had to change our objectives.

GB:    Does the Europa league feel like a runners up competition for Liverpool?

SG:    Not at all. The fans are desperate to win it. It is our last chance to win a trophy now this season and we want that more than anything in the world.   
 
GB:    Even though your personal aim would be to win the league.

SG:    It`s the lifeblood of this club. We haven`t won it for a long time and the fans demand it. We`ve got to keep fighting to achieve that soon, try and finish fourth this time and go for it next season.

GB:     What do you make of Atletico Madrid?

SG:    On a good day they are capable of beating anybody, it depends on which Atletico turns up on the day. They are a bit like us: sometimes, when you expect them to win, they don`t.  

GB:   So how do you see the game?

SG:    It will be hard. It`s an important trophy for both of us and the atmosphere around the game is going to be sensational. It`ll bring to fantastic sets of fans together again!


 GB:     Kun Aguero misses the first leg (Gerrard hadn`t realised this and it produces a big grin)....

SG:    He`s a great player who really improves the team. I`ve played against him on a couple of occasions and he has really impressed me. I watch him on TV now and again and every time he pulls off something special. From a selfish point of view, I must admit I`m glad he won`t be playing.   

GB:    Torres is out for both legs; watching the pair of you together out on the pitch, you share a real camaraderie and friendship....

SG:       We have a great relationship both on and off the pitch: we`re good friends, he`s great fun and really good company. We`ve connected with each other; I love playing alongside him - his movement, his style of play. It`s a privilege to have him wearing the Liverpool shirt and when he is on form, he is the best forward in the world. Messi may be the most complete player at the moment, but I believe Torres is the best number nine: our new Ian Rush. We don`t see each other off the field of play all that often, we live 45 minutes apart, but we spend all day having a laugh at Melwood.


GB:     Why do you think he connected with the fans so quickly?

SG:    The fans love a forward who scores goals, but he offers something else. They love everything about him: his attitude, passion and commitment. Ever since that goal against Chelsea, he`s had a perfect relationship with the terraces. He`ll become a legend if he stays with us for many years.

GB:      You love Spanish football; who is your favourite player?

SG:     Can I pick two? Messi and Ronaldo without a doubt. Can I have a couple more? Xavi and Iniesta: they`d all be in my team - although with all those midfielders, I`d end up stuck on the bench! 


GB:    Did you watch Real Madrid - Barcelona match?

SG:   The lot! I never miss it. I love the build up, the match, the post-match analysis. I love good football.

GB:   Have you ever been close to moving to Spain, or leaving Liverpool?


SG:       Never. A lot of things were written about the summer of 2005 when Chelsea wanted me; but I made the right choice and stayed. I follow the Spanish league, the French league, the German - and it`s normal that I get asked `would that league suit you?` But it has never been a realistic possibility or one that I - in reality - have ever wanted.
 
GB:     Have you kept in touch with Xabi Alonso; have you talked about Real Madrid ?

SG:      I like to stay in contact with my ex- team mates. We send each other good luck messages, I know he still follows Liverpool. I`m delighted that things have turned out well for him. He dropped into Melwood a short while ago and he looked happy. He misses Liverpool though.

GB:     Despite all that happened…

SG:     It`s a special institution, different. The emotion when you step out into that pitch, the noise from the stands, the fans - it`s indescribable. The players appreciate that and remember that and it stays with them.

GB:     Why have Liverpool found it so hard to recover their domestic superiority ?

SG:   There are other teams that have improved so much, like Chelsea. Manchester United have been very strong for years, but last season we came very close to beating them. It is a very difficult competition with more than one powerful team.

GB:     How do you improve Liverpool?

SG:    Everybody knows that we must learn from this season. Some players have said that we need a stronger squad. Better players and an improvement from us players already here, that is the key. But I do not believe in revolutions, in a major overhaul. Three or four quality players would be enough: quality rather than quantity.

GB:   And then there`s the World Cup...        

SG:     I want to enjoy the World Cup; to share some good times with my team mates.  But we have to finish the season first.

GB:     Fabio Capello has improved the team...

SG:     He has given us a winning mentality, one that we had lost. He arrived when were lacking confidence and he has helped us recover it. Now we believe that we can beat anybody. Spain are favourites, without doubt, they are winning games with ease - something that is not easy at this level. I`d love to meet them in the final.

GB:    I`ll let you have one Spanish player...

SG:   You know who I`m going to say! Torres and Rooney would make an explosive partnership!