Gerrard: I've Fought Back From Liverpool Lows

Steven Gerrard claims suffering
gut-wrenching lows can be just
as important in shaping a
career as enjoying memorable
highs.
The Liverpool midfielder has
visited both ends of the sporting
spectrum during his playing days
and is adamant that he is a
better player for the experience.
He claims to have learnt from
each situation and used those
feelings, either ecstasy or agony,
to form new targets.
Now captain of his hometown
club and stand-in skipper of his
country, that hard work has paid
off handsomely.
Things have not always gone so
swimmingly for Gerrard, though,
as he recalls hitting rock bottom
back in 2002.
After seeing his parents split up,
the combative playmaker admits
he put in what was arguably the
worst showing of his career in a
UEFA Champions League contest
with Swiss side FC Basel.
He refused to dwell on those
failings, though, and insists that,
ahead of a meeting with the
Switzerland national side on
Tuesday, he would not change
the career path he has taken.
"Yes, my parents had split up, but
that was just an excuse," recalled
Gerrard. "I was just terrible.
Blame
"You have to blame it on
something. It was probably one
of the worst performances I've
put in. I totally deserved to be
whipped off at half-time.
"But that is where you learn from
things like that that happen to
you, throughout your career, the
highs and lows. You become a
better player from them.
"I was left sitting in the dressing
room, on my own, having been
taken off in one of my first
Champions League games. The
players go back out 3-0 down
and you've put in a bad
performance.
"That was certainly a low in my
career, let me tell you. But it helps
you become the player you are.
You learn from experience. I'm
the player I am today from
learning and recovering from my
lows, rather than dwelling on my
highs.
"It was eight years ago. I don't
look back that far, I look ahead
and I certainly won't be thinking
about that performance when I
go out (on Tuesday)."
One experience Gerrard has
enjoyed is leading out his
country, even if he has been
caught in the eye of the storm
after Rio Ferdinand sustained a
long-term injury prior to this
summer's World Cup finals.
"This is the last time you'll see me
here -so enjoy it while I'm here!"
joked Gerrard, who is set to pass
the armband back to Manchester
United centre-half Ferdinand
now he is closing in on full
fitness.
"I've had to deal with some
difficult questions, I won't lie to
you, and I've been as honest as I
can. I've really loved leading the
team out, every minute of it, even
the games we've lost. I've been
proud to lead the team out."