Rafa Benitez confirms support for Steven Gerrard as Liverpool's FA Cup quest begins

Jan 3 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Liverpool in Belgium ahead of Champions League Qualifier against Standard Liege....Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard _320

STEVEN GERRARD will end a traumatic week by leading out Liverpool as they begin their quest for FA Cup glory this evening.

Rafael Benitez has taken the unusual step of confirming Gerrard will retain his starting role for the visit to Coca-Cola Championship outfit Preston North End.

It is the latest show of support from the manager in his skipper, who has been in the headlines for wildly contrasting reasons during the past few days.

Less than 24 hours after producing an imperious performance when scoring twice in Liverpool’s 5-1 romp at Newcastle United on Sunday, Gerrard was allegedly involved in a nightclub incident in Southport which has resulted in charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

The 28-year-old, who is due to appear at Sefton magistrates court at the end of the month, has since received the public backing of Benitez and the club.

And the Anfield manager has revealed he has no qualms in sticking by Gerrard at Deepdale with Liverpool keen to maintain the momentum that has sent them three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

“I was talking with him and he explained everything to me,” said Benitez. “That is why I support him. He was involved in a situation that was not normal. He was training normally.

“I was asking him if he is okay, and he wants to play and it would be the best thing to play him. Hopefully he can play well and score some goals.

“I would have played him anyway. He was playing well and I want to keep the momentum. We have one week until the next game so we have plenty of time to recover.

“I think if he can focus just on football it will be easier for him to do things normally.