Gerrard: drama affects us

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted that off-field dramas are affecting the form of the Anfield side. There has been uncertainty over ownership of the club in recent weeks, and Rafa Benitez has fallen out with the club's American owners, Hicks and Gillett.

"It is not just this week, it has been going on for some time and it is certainly not helping the players," Gerrard told Setanta Sports.

"I have got to be careful what I say about the situation but it is certainly not helping the team.

"We know what is going on, but as players you have got a job to do on the pitch.

"You try to put what is going on off the pitch to the back of your mind but sometimes it is impossible, when it is every day."