Carragher amazed at Gerrard’s U-turn

Simon Stone

Carragher was in the players’ canteen at the Reds’ Melwood training ground on Wednesday morning when news filtered through of Gerrard’s remarkable U-turn.

The previous evening, Carragher, like the rest of Liverpool’s squad was resigned to losing the man who lifted the Champions League trophy aloft in Istanbul six weeks ago.

Little did he know Gerrard had thought the matter through again in his mind, and reached a totally different conclusion.

“Like everyone else, I was watching the reports on TV and thought he was leaving,” Carragher told www.liverpoolfc.tv

“Then, we couldn’t believe it when we were having breakfast at Melwood and news came through that he was staying. I almost spat my Corn Flakes out.

“It’s a great boost for everyone because we thought he had gone. It is almost like signing a new player for nothing, although I am sure he will cost a few quid in wages.”

Twenty million pounds to be precise, if reports of a £100,000-a-week contract are correct after Gerrard, like Carragher, signed a new four-year deal yesterday that will keep the pair at Liverpool until 2009.

Like Gerrard, Carragher is seen as the heartbeat of the new side Rafael Benitez is starting to build.

As local boys in an increasingly cosmopolitan squad, the duo carry most of the supporters’ hopes and while his own stock has risen significantly thanks to a series of outstanding central defensive performances in Liverpool’s magnificent European run last term, Carragher knows the club have far more chance of further success with Gerrard in the squad.

Which is why, when asked by Benitez on Wednesday morning whether Gerrard should continue as skipper, the 27-year-old had no hesitation in saying yes, even though he would almost certainly have been the man to replace his fellow England international.

“The manager did speak to me and a few other players and we all agreed he is our captain and should stay as captain,” said Carragher.

Amid all the turmoil of Gerrard’s will-he-stay, will-he-go saga, Carragher’s decision to commit his long-term future to Liverpool has largely gone unnoticed.

Not for Benitez though, who acknowledged what a hugely consistent figure the defender had been throughout last season’s rollercoaster ride to eventual glory.

“All through last season I spoke highly of Jamie because he has exactly the right attitude you need to win games,” said the Spaniard.

“He loves the club and it is always important to have players with that kind of passion.

“As a manager, you want as many players like Jamie as possible.

Both men are expected to be involved in today’s friendly with Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground and also next Wednesday night as Liverpool begin the defence of the Champions League against Welsh minnows Total Network Solutions.