STEVIE: LET'S HAVE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Jimmy Rice 05 March 2007

Steven Gerrard has challenged the Liverpool players and fans alike to make the Champions League clash against Barcelona one of the most memorable European nights Anfield has ever witnessed.
The skipper believes Barca will be dreading the prospect of playing in front of a rammed Kop on Tuesday night. "Liverpool versus Barcelona in front of a packed Anfield – it doesn't get much bigger than that. I've experienced many special nights here and I'm hoping there is another one just around the corner," Gerrard told a press conference on Monday. "Teams in the past have come here and not enjoyed playing in this stadium – when it's full there is a lot of noise. The fans make it really difficult for the opposition. "It gives us a real boost knowing they're behind us trying to push a goal in for us. I'm sure they'll be there well before kick-off making the atmosphere really intense for Barcelona. That's what we want from them." Gerrard admits he is already getting butterflies in his stomach at the prospect of facing the holders on home turf. He said: "I'm excited personally and I know all the boys are as well. Preparations have gone really well and the boys are just looking forward to kick-off now. "Being round the city and seeing how many people have turned up today, it proves how big a game this is. These are the games we want to play in. The whole world will be watching – we can't wait. "You have all your butterflies, your nerves and your excitement, but now we just want to go out there and get the job done." Meanwhile, the Liverpool number eight believes the possibility of a trophyless season will help spur on his teammates. "Ideally we'd love to be involved in the other cups and the title race, but that's not to be. Now us players have got to give everything we've got to make sure we keep this season going. "At Liverpool Football Club every season we try to put another trophy in the cabinet – this is the only one left. We have to make sure we give that extra 10 to 15 per cent to ensure we're in the last eight."