Smicer delighted by Gerrard decision

Vladimir Smicer today hailed Steven Gerrard’s decision to stay at Liverpool as “great news” for the club.

Smicer said he and fellow Liverpool player Milan Baros had exchanged feelings of delight when they heard of Gerrard’s decision.

“We have been talking every day about the situation at Liverpool and what has been happening in England,” said Smicer.

“It’s very good news for us and we know what Steven Gerrard means for Liverpool. I am happy and it’s big news for the fans and very good news for next year.

“We know we did not play very well in the last two seasons, expectations were a lot higher than what we managed on the pitch but we now have a new manager so there is lots of hope.”

With Thursday’s Euro 2004 semi-final against Greece coming up, two Czech players are aiming for important landmarks.

Baros is currently leading scorer with five goals, one ahead of Holland’s Ruud van Nistelrooy, and needs just one more to become only the second player to score six in a tournament – Michel Platini scored nine in 1984. Meanwhile if they make the final Karel Poborsky will win his 100th cap.

Smicer added: “Milan has been excellent. We knew before the tournament that he’s in good form and we knew that he has the quality but we never expected him to be the top goalscorer.

“Karel can also win 100 caps, and no other player has ever done that in Czech history so that’s another reason why we need to win against Greece.”