Gerrard agree to play right
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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has reaffirmed his plans to continue playing Steven Gerrard wide-right in midfield.
Benitez told his skipper that he will not revert to his favoured role in the middle despite the 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.
The Spaniard would not reveal how England star Gerrard, 26, reacted.
But Benitez, whose troops host Reading in the Carling Cup tonight, said: "When Steven performs to his true quality, I am pleased with him on the right side - just as Steve McClaren is.
"Of course he can play in central midfield but he knows we have more balance in the team with Alonso and Sissoko in the middle and Gerrard on the right.
"But you must not think of him as a right-winger, stuck outside. Does he look to make the byline to put in crosses? Not very often.
"Instead he cuts inside and scores goals - 23 of them last year, in what was his best season so far for this club.
"Was anyone asking why he was not in central midfield then?
"I have spoken to Steven and he is happy with this situation. He is the captain and he must set an example for the other players.
"He knows the most important thing is the club, the supporters and players."
Benitez told his skipper that he will not revert to his favoured role in the middle despite the 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.
The Spaniard would not reveal how England star Gerrard, 26, reacted.
But Benitez, whose troops host Reading in the Carling Cup tonight, said: "When Steven performs to his true quality, I am pleased with him on the right side - just as Steve McClaren is.
"Of course he can play in central midfield but he knows we have more balance in the team with Alonso and Sissoko in the middle and Gerrard on the right.
"But you must not think of him as a right-winger, stuck outside. Does he look to make the byline to put in crosses? Not very often.
"Instead he cuts inside and scores goals - 23 of them last year, in what was his best season so far for this club.
"Was anyone asking why he was not in central midfield then?
"I have spoken to Steven and he is happy with this situation. He is the captain and he must set an example for the other players.
"He knows the most important thing is the club, the supporters and players."
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