Gerrard tips Liverpool to improve

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool will be a stronger proposition when they come to play the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa.

The Reds laboured to a 2-1 victory over the Israelis at Anfield this evening, needing a late goal from debutant substitute Mark Gonzalez to secure the advantage.

Another new signing, Craig Bellamy, also found the net but Liverpool will still have work to do to secure a place in the group stages when the sides meet again at a neutral venue in a fortnight.

Liverpool captain Gerrard told ITV Sport: “We made hard work of it I suppose.

“But we go there winning 2-1 and they have got to beat us.

“We can still improve, we are still looking for 100% fitness. It was hard work out there.

“We’ve got another two weeks’ training and we’ll be a better side come the second leg.”

On the goals, he added: “That’s what we bought Craig for and Mark came on towards the end and got the vital goal. That’s what we bought them for.”