The return of Kenny Dalglish to Anfield as manager, coupled with some big-spending in the transfer window, has seen sections of Reds fans predicting a challenge for the Premier League title. But having seen the Merseyside giants finish sixth in the table last season and seventh in the prior campaign, Gerrard believes that focusing on a return to Champions League action needs to be their primary target. The England midfielder believes that with the addition of more new faces following the signing of Jordan Henderson and with greater consistency in their performances they can push to return to the top table of European football. "I'd love nothing better than to lead the lads to some silverware next year but I don't want to raise expectation by saying that will definitely happen," Gerrard told the club's official website. "It would be stupid of me to raise expectations any more than they are already. At the beginning of every season at Liverpool expectations rise, and now that Kenny is staying and with a few signings I'm sure it'll go through the roof. "Getting in the Champions League will be the main aim. I think it is for all the clubs in the Premier League. For financial reasons it's so important but it's also the biggest competition for players individually at club level. "Everyone wants to be involved in it, we've had some fantastic nights at Anfield over the years in the competition and we all want to see those nights return. "We just need to continue what we've been doing during the last six months. Hopefully we'll add some more players to strengthen the squad and then we need to compete. We are good enough to beat anyone on our day, we just need to find the consistency to challenge for honours." And Gerrard has insisted that he will be fully fit for the new season with a complete pre-season under his belt having gone under the knife for groin surgery to bring his season to a premature after the victory over Manchester United on 6 March. "I've had it sorted with surgery and hopefully next year I'll be fit and available after a good rest, with a brand new groin and ready to push on under Kenny," said the 30-year-old. "I'm due to come back after 12 weeks, so it'll be around when the lads return on 4/5 July. Then I've got six weeks of pre-season to get match fit, so by the time the league starts I'm hoping to be in good shape."
