Liverpool’s failure to win the 2013-14 Premier League title is hitting Steven Gerrard hard.
Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Sunday to ensure a second-place finish in the Premier League with 84 points — two less than champion Manchester City.
Following the game, Gerrard told Sky Sports how disappointed he is in coming so close to winning that coveted domestic title.
“I’m absolutely devastated,” Gerrard said. “Personally gutted and gutted for the fans. They’ve been magnificent but we can’t be too down because it’s been a fantastic season and we need to bounce back for next year and try and go one better.
Gerrard has played for Liverpool for over 15 years, captaining the club since 2003, without tasting Premier League success. Liverpool had a chance to win the title with three games remaining, but a loss to Chelsea on April 27 and draw against Crystal Palace eight days later allowed Manchester City to overtake Liverpool in the end.
While Liverpool’s second-place finish hurts Gerrard, he thinks the Reds will be a stronger, more battle-hardened group in future campaigns.
“It took me until I’m 33 to get the experience of a proper title race so the experience for these young lads is going to be vital and there is a lot of ability in the squad,” Gerrard said. “It’s growing and it’s moving forward and hopefully we can keep improving it.”
Gerrard also vowed to continue to lead the Reds’ pursuit of major trophies.
“I can certainly play at this level for another year for sure because I feel so fit and so strong and even though I am getting on,” Gerrard said.
While the wounds of Liverpool’s unsuccessful title bid are still raw, and it’s understandable that Gerrard is hurting, he and the Reds should take a measure of comfort in the progress Liverpool made in this outstanding season.
