Steven Gerrard netted a late winner to give Liverpool a dramatic 2-1 win over Ludogorets at Anfield on Tuesday evening.
The Reds took the lead through Mario Balotelli, only for Dani Abalo to equalise in injury time, though Gerrard ensured the home side took all three points from their opening Champions League game with a fine finish from the penalty spot.
More to follow.
The Liverpool captain is excited by the new signing as they prepare for their return to the Champions League on Tuesday
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is not interested in suggestions that Mario Balotelli is “crazy”, he just wants to see the striker perform.
Brendan Rodgers’ men have made an indifferent start to the season as they wait for their new signings to settle in.
One of those signings – Balotelli – is searching for his first Liverpool goal as he looks to slot in to replace Luis Suarez, following his move to Barcelona.
Gerrard insists the squad are behind the enigmatic Italian as they prepare for their return to the Champions League on Tuesday.
“If we get the best out of him, we have got him. If people want to write stories about him and say that he is crazy or he is a nutter, let them, but he is one of us now,” Gerrard told The Daily Mail.
“We have welcomed him into this clubs with open arms and we want to help him succeed. Everyone is hoping he is going to be a hit.
“He has got a great set of team-mates who will work for him and back him. He has got to do the same for us.”
Gerrard said there had been a “big jealousy” during Liverpool’s time out of the Champions League as they prepare for their first match in the competition since 2009 and are big expectations amongst the squad.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in Brendan and in the squad,” Gerrard said. “If we go out in the group stages, or the last 16, we will be majorly, majorly disappointed.
“We want to progress. We want to go as far as we can. This can’t be a one-off.
“This isn’t a reward for finishing second last year. I don’t see it as a reward. This is where Liverpool should be, and should be consistently.
“It’s the responsibility of myself and the players to give it our best crack. It is important that we have got the Champions League next year as well.”
The club make their return to the competition on Tuesday night for the first time in four years, but their manager insists their history means they are still a big threat
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists his side will not be “tourists” on their return to the Champions League.
The five-time winners will take part in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since the 2009-10 season, and begin with the visit of Ludogorets on Tuesday.
Rodgers, whose side also share Group B with Real Madrid and Basel, says Liverpool are ready for the challenge.
“We are not tourists in this competition – we believe it is where we belong and where we should be playing,” he told reporters.
“For the players and everyone involved it’s something that brings the real excitement, but it isn’t a ‘giddy’ excitement.
“We are Liverpool, we are five times winners of the European Cup and we are synonymous with its best traditions. Our players are excited, not daunted.”
The 41-year-old also says his side’s participation in Europe’s premier competition has started to sink in this week.
“It hits home as soon as you actually see ourselves back in the Champions League how much it can be missed,” he added.
“I looked at the footballs yesterday. Little simple touches like that lets you know this is where this club has to be.
“It went through a great period for many years at that level and then to be out of it – the struggles it brings when you’re not in it as well.
“We’re building here and still a work in progress in many aspects of the football team and the club.
“I think it’s difficult to get in it and it will be even harder to stay in it. I think that’s the reality of where it’s at.”