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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers braced supporters for a close-season rebuilding process after long-serving captain Steven Gerrard played his final home game for the club.
Gerrard, 34, declared himself “devastated” following Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace at a sold-out Anfield and must now prepare for his last ever Liverpool appearance at Stoke City next weekend.
Gerrard’s departure echoes that of his fellow stalwart Jamie Carragher, who bowed out in 2013, and with Luis Suarez still to be satisfactorily replaced following his move to Barcelona last year, Rodgers knows there is a pressing need to bolster his squad.

Asked if it would be possible to replace Gerrard – who joins the Los Angeles Galaxy in July – with one player, Rodgers told his post-match press conference: “I dont think there is that.
“He is a player and a person who is irreplaceable for the club. What he’s given over his time here and the standards he’s set are second to none.
“We’ll go forward at the end of the season and we’ll have to plot a way to improve in the summer. That’s our challenge.”

Having pushed Manchester City all the way in last season’s title race, Liverpool have slipped back in 2014-15 and are yet to secure even the consolation of a Europa League place after missing out on a Champions League berth.
But asked if he felt optimistic about the future, Rodgers replied: “We have to [be]).
“In my time here, we’ve lost a couple of players with 700-odd games for the club in Jamie Carragher [737] and Steven Gerrard [709].

“Those two guys have been monumental players for the club, so losing both of those is a big blow. Throw in a world-class player like Luis Suarez, and of course it’s difficult.
“This year has been very difficult for us in many aspects. But the players have given everything they possibly can and hopefully in the summer we can add that quality that the group clearly needs and take the opportunity next year.”
Should Liverpool falter again next season, they should not necessarily expect Gerrard to appear on a white charger.

There is a feeling that Gerrard could return to Anfield on loan – following the examples of David Beckham and Thierry Henry during their stints in Major League Soccer – but he said that he would only consider returning in an “emergency situation”.
Gerrard told supporters he was “devastated” about leaving the club during a heartfelt on-pitch address.
“It felt very strange. I’ve been dreading this moment. I’m going to miss it so much,” Gerrard told the crowd.

“I’ve loved every minute. I’m absolutely devastated I’m never going to play in front of these supporters again.”
He added: “I’d like to thank everyone at the club who’s helped me over the last 17 years. There are too many people to name.
“I would like to thank all my team-mates, all the ex-players. They’ve made me the player I am today.
I’ve loved every minute. I’m absolutely devastated I’m never going to play in front of these supporters again
Steven Gerrard
“I’ll save the last thanks to the most important people at the football club. These supporters stand out more than anyone.”
He was then interrupted by cheers and applause from the fans, before continuing: “Before I go, before the tears come, I’ve played in front of most supporters around the world, but let me tell you, you’re the best.”
Gerrard was joined on the pitch at the final whistle by his team-mates, all of whom wore shirts with his name and squad number, eight, on the back, before going on a lap of honour.
He was also presented with a keepsake by former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who handed Gerrard his debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998.
The defeat ended Liverpool’s paper-thin mathematical hopes of Champions League qualification, but Gerrard predicted a bright future for the club despite his imminent departure.
“The club’s in good hands,” he said. “We’ve two fantastic owners, Ian [Ayre, chief executive] underneath that and a fantastic manager in Brendan [Rodgers].
“There’s unbelievable potential in the squad. I’m sure there’s going to be new signings in the coming weeks.
“I just look at the players I’ve shared a dressing room with. I love them to death and I wish them every success in the future.”
 


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English Premier League 2014-15

As ‘devastated’ Gerrard bows out at Anfield, Rodgers warns fans that he is irreplaceable

Steven Gerrard acknowledges the fans. Photo: AP

Fans wave scarves in honour of Gerrard. Photo: EPA

Gerrard with his daughters. Photo: EPA

Fans hold up a sign praising Gerrard. Photo: Reuters

Banners honouring Gerrard. Photo: AFP

Steven Gerrard walks on to the pitch with his daughters. Photo: AFP

Steven Gerrard one of a dying breed of players loyal to clubs and their cause

Liverpool's iconic captain Steven Gerrard is preparing to play his last Liverpool match at Anfield on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

The pinnacle of Gerrard's career was winning the Uefa Champions League in Istanbul against AC Milan in 2005. Photo: AFP

The Liverpool skipper also experienced lows in his career, and one that stands out for the 34-year-old is his mistake against Chelsea in the title run-in last season, which led to Chelsea winning the match. Photo: EPA

Few players have an FA Cup final named in their honour. Liverpool fans will long remember the "Gerrard final" of 2006 when a Gerrard-inspired Liverpool twice came from behind to beat West Ham on penalties. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

With Luis Suarez still to be satisfactorily replaced following his move to Barcelona last year, Rodgers knows there is a pressing need to bolster his squad


Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers braced supporters for a close-season rebuilding process after long-serving captain Steven Gerrard played his final home game for the club
