Gerrard Happy With His Role

Steven Gerrard says he has no qualms about being played out of his favored position at Liverpool and that his game has improved enormously thanks to the exacting standards of Rafael Benítez.

It was only this month that the Liverpool captain revealed his concerns at being taken out of central midfield by both club and country, while he initially struggled to adapt to Benítez's detached managerial style following the Spaniard's arrival from Valencia. Now the England international credits Benítez's methods with a major influence on his career and claims to be "comfortable" with playing in a variety of roles at Anfield.

"I'd prefer to have a manager like Rafa who will tell me where I'm going wrong and where I need to readjust slightly," said Gerrard. "I feel since he's come in here my game has come on in leaps and bounds - he's certainly improved me as a player. OK, he has played me in different positions. But I feel a lot more comfortable now in that I can play almost anywhere on the pitch.

The club will not consider a move at that price and are well-stocked with central defenders. But Paulino Oscar, the defender's agent, said Liverpool's interest remains and Sao Paulo will decide Aislan's future in January.

"They [Liverpool] had shown interest in the past one or two months when the window was open. It is in Sao Paulo's hands and it is they who decide," said Oscar.

Liverpool's defender Philipp Degen has been ruled out for three weeks after suffering two broken ribs in the Carling Cup win over Crewe.