Steven Gerrard: Liverpool's fitness means we're in great shape for the final push

Steven Gerrard claims Liverpool's fitness is key to keeping alive their season.

The rejuvenated Reds are hot on the heels of Manchester United in the title race and face arch rivals Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Anfield on Wednesday night.

And the Liverpool skipper, who has just agreed a new two-year contract extension, maintains Liverpool's hope of securing silverware will rest on keeping in better shape than their rivals.

He admitted: "Our fitness has been the key to our recent success.

"It has been instrumental in keeping us going and ensuring we maintain our challenge for silverware on two fronts. Belief is also a key factor. Confidence is very high and we have the momentum at the moment.

"And I'm the captain. I have to be confident, I have to have the belief we can do it, we all have to.

"We've got nothing to lose. In terms of the Premier League we know United are still favourites and we know that Chelsea are not out of it.

"But it's vital to keep that momentum going and not fall into the same trap United fell into a few weeks ago.

"Everyone presumed that the title race was over, but there is always going to be twist and turns. One thing for sure, though, we will give everything we've got."

Gerrard is adamant keeping striker Fernando Torres fit will also give Liverpool an edge in the run-in.

He explained: "It's crucial to our team and paramount to the team's success that Fernando stays fit. He is priceless.

"If we can do that from now until the end of the season it's going to be an exciting finish to the campaign."

You sense from Gerrard that winning the Premier League takes priority over success in the Champions League.

He said: "Success in the Premier League has been a long time coming and it's been far too long since we've been involved. The last few years "

we've finished miles behind Manchester United and Chelsea and that's unacceptable for a club like Liverpool."

Even so, he is stunned that United have let them back into the title race this year.

Gerrard said: "We were surprised that they lost two games on the spin given the run they were on and the quality they have in their squad.

"Prior to the defeat against us I think they had gone 14 games unbeaten and no one could see them slipping up.

"But they have enabled us to get back in the title race and it's important we make the most of the final chance we have been given."

And there is no shortage of confidence as Liverpool prepare to face Chelsea in the Champions League.

"Given our record against them we are going into it with a great deal of confidence.

"These matches are decided by very small details. Both teams are extremely strong.

"The unfortunate thing is we seem to draw each other every year.

"It's become a bit of a joke now that it seems if we want to win a cup we have to knock out Chelsea.

"I would be liar if I said I wasn't looking for a different team when the draw was made. To win the Champions League you have to knock out the best teams."

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