There after us again.
GERRARD'S RAFARIFT
WORLD EXCLUSIVE Skipper's future in the balance
By Simon Mullock
STEVEN GERRARD'S future at Liverpool is hanging in the balance, with the Anfield captain growing increasingly unhappy with life under Rafa Benitez.
Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal the strained relationship between Gerrard and Benitez is now close to breaking point.
Gerrard publicly insists that he is happy to play anywhere in Benitez's tactical system.
But privately, he feels his poor form this season is down to the Spaniard's insistence that he plays wide on the right of midfield, while Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko play in his favourite central position. Gerrard is prepared to put his preference to one side for England - but feels his talent is going to waste at Anfield.
Benitez, who has insisted he will not quit Liverpool, now faces a third fight to keep the £30m-rated midfielder at his home-town club. Gerrard looked destined for Chelsea after Euro 2004, but was persuaded by Benitez when the Spaniard arrived at Anfield from Valencia.
Twelve months later he asked for a transfer after becoming frustrated by the lack of progress regarding new contract talks - but changed he mind again.
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But at the age of 26, he feels he may have to move on to realise his potential.
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