Goal.com

04-May-2012 11:45:00 PM

The Reds' talisman has produced memorable big-game performances in the past, namely the 2005 Champions League climax, but feels that a team effort is needed to beat Chelsea

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted that his team-mates do not rely on him in major games ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.

The 31-year-old has produced some phenomenal performances over the years in cup competition climaxes, including the infamous 2005 Champions League final triumph over AC Milan and the 2006 FA Cup win against West Ham.

However, the midfielder believes that it is the team as a whole, not just himself, who should receive the plaudits for their past glories.

“I don't think [I am relied upon]. We beat Everton in a massive game at Wembley [this year’s semi-final] not so long ago and I didn't get the goals,” Gerrard told reporters.

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“So we've certainly got players in and around the squad who can be match-winners. Not all the pressure's on me. It's up to everyone to deliver trophies for this club.

“Maybe the knockout nature of the cups has brought the best out of us this season.

“But what it also shows is that when we are down, under the cosh and under pressure, this team is never beaten.”

Liverpool currently sit eighth in the Premier League, level on points with ninth-placed Fulham, and in genuine danger of finishing below rivals Everton, who are three points ahead of the Reds on 52.

But Gerrard refused to be pessimistic, arguing: “Let's be realistic. At the start of the season our chances of winning the Premier League were quite slim.

“We had Manchester City's power to contend with and Chelsea's power. Manchester United are always there, so we were probably fourth or fifth favourites at the time.

“But we had much better chances of going out and winning the [League] Cup and getting to the FA Cup final and that's what we've done.

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“What it shows is that if we do win the FA Cup this squad still needs slight tweaking in the summer if we are to compete in the Premier League.”

“We've under-delivered and underperformed in the league, simple, but we've been fantastic in the cups.

“We are hoping when we assess the season in a couple of weeks it will be with two trophies in the cabinet.

“That has got to breed confidence and belief into this squad and we have got to take that into next season.”