By Redsfan
April 29 2005

Liverpool skipper, Steven Gerrard has called for everyone to play their part in Tuesday nights second leg Champions League game against Chelsea. The Reds are one win away from the final and Gerrard knows it will take a massive effort from everyone who has anything to do with Liverpool Football Club.

He said:

"We need brave men on Tuesday. We need everyone to stand up," he said.

"We need 11 gladiators out there to beat Chelsea, and the fans have to be ready for an incredible night.

"Anfield is the best place for big European night by a mile. It is an incredible atmosphere, and we need that - we know exactly what role the fans can play, and we know how the team must play.

"The confidence running through us on these type of nights is incredible. European nights at Anfield are something special, and the fans will be up for it.

"It could be awesome. It is going to be a great spectacle for everyone, I just hope come the final whistle we will be celebrating."

The Reds will go into Tuesday's clash without the services of Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard picked up a booking in the closing stages at Stamford Bridge.

"We are all gutted Xabi will be missing. He was distraught after the game," added the skipper.

"I feel for him because I know how much he wanted to play. Nobody wants to miss those sort of nights and hopefully we can put on a great performance that means he will be okay for the final.

"That is a definitely a motivation for everyone - to get through so that Xabi will be able to play in the final.

"It was a harsh decision and no one can believe he has got a yellow card for it. He is immense for us, but we will try and do it for him.

"It's tough without him, incredibly tough, but people said when I was not fit against Juventus we wouldn't get through - but Liverpool Football Club isn't about one person. This is biggest game of our lives, so wewill give everything.

"This season, we have had incredible nights at Anfield against Olympiakos and Juventus, just unbelievable occasions, but this will surpass that.

"During your career not many chances come along to get to the European Cup final like this. The important thing before Tuesday's game was to stay in it and give ourselves a chance.

"We've done that, and while the job is only half-done, if we can produce a night similar to that against Juventus, then we can go through."