Liverpool fans' patience running out, says Gerrard

LONDON (Reuters) - New captain Steven Gerrard has warned his Liverpool team mates that fans could soon turn on their side unless results start to improve.

Beaten 1-0 at promoted Portsmouth last weekend, Liverpool are languishing in 11th place in the premier league, 12 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

"The fans' patience can only last for so long," Gerrard told the club's website on Wednesday.

"At some stage they are going to get fed up with us and start dishing out some stick. I think they have been supportive beyond the call of duty."

Manager Gerard Houllier has been a target for sections of the media and the club's fans, but Gerrard defended the Frenchman who gave him the skipper's armband last week.

"It's nonsense to start talking about the manager and his position," said the England midfielder.

"At the end of the day, it's down to the players and the way we perform on the pitch. If we're not doing it on the pitch we are letting ourselves and the manager down.

"It's rubbish to talk about writing the season off at this stage. On our day we can beat anyone in this league and that goes for Manchester United and Arsenal.

"If you put a good run together you never know what will happen. Other teams are going to go through a bad patch, we just have to hope we are there and flying when it happens." Liverpool, who are through to a UEFA Cup second round tie with Steaua Bucharest, have a chance to improve their domestic form on Saturday at home to struggling Leeds United.

Houllier, who has had to contend with a lengthy injury list, told the website: "I think there will be a big response from the players on Saturday. They feel they have a point to make and they are eager to put things right."

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