 STEVEN GERRARD has admitted how he found himself struggling against fatigue just as the season reached a dramatic climax with the Champions League final. The Liverpool skipper believes he was paying the price for not having enough time to recover from the exertions of last summer’s World Cup campaign in Germany before embarking on another gruelling season. And his season came to a demanding end when he led out his side in Athens against AC Milan, a game which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Rafael Benitez’s side as they tried to claim a sixth European Cup and a second in three years under the Spaniard’s stewardship. Gerrard had little time to recover from the bitter disappointment of his club’s reverse when he was asked to help England overcome first Brazil in a prestigious friendly at the new Wembley Stadium and then Estonia in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier. Now the dynamic midfielder is looking forward to a few weeks of rest to recharge his batteries as he hopes to propel Liverpool to a first Premiership title and help England seal their place in next summer’s European Championships final. The Liverpool captain said he had been left exhausted by the demands of the season. “I desperately need a rest, it’s as simple as that. I’m worn out,” he explained. Gerrard believes his late season tiredness came after only a brief respite following the World Cup. He said: “Two and a half weeks off after the World Cup wasn’t enough to prepare for a hectic season which included going all the way in the Champions League Final and playing for England. It’s been a difficult season for me, but I’m getting married next week and I’ve got four weeks to try and put my feet up. “The international players get an extra week and I’ve got to make the most of it to make sure I’m in good shape for the new season. Demands on players at the highest level can be excessive. It’s a no-win situation because the more success you have the more games you have to play. But it’s going to be a big season next year for club and country. "Domestically Liverpool has to improve and for England we have to build on recent performances and make sure we qualify for Euro 2008.” Gerrard has started 58 games for club and country this season but believes the welcome prospect of a month out of the firing line will help him with his club ambitions while signing off with a welcome 3-0 win in Estonia gives England every chance of qualifying for next summer’s finals. He said: “I think we can all go away now and have a good rest on the back of a good result attained under difficult circumstances. “There was a lot of pressure on the team following recent results, but I think the boys showed a lot of character and determination to get the result we required. Some-times the pressure is over the top. But you are playing for your country and you have to expect it.” | 
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