Steven Gerrard will lead Liverpool into their Champions League crunch match in Istanbul on Wednesday acutely aware boss Rafael Benitez would substitute him again without a second thought.

Benitez caused a storm by withdrawing Gerrard on Saturday's high-tension Mersey derby win at Everton, preferring the ball retention skills of 20 year-old Brazilian youngster Lucas.

Said Benitez: "Would I do it again? Yes, if it helped the team.

"I have talked to Stevie and he obviously wanted to play out the match. But I repeat that my decisions are based on what the team needs.

"If I felt that I needed to substitute my captain again, of course I would do it. Everything I do is aimed at benefiting the team."

Many feel Benitez put down a marker at Goodison Park on Saturday by hauling Gerrard off because he was playing with his heart and not his head.

Publicly, Gerrard has accepted his manager's viewpoint, but privately it is believed he is still concerned by the situation.

Now Benitez will expect a disciplined display from Gerrard in Istanbul, where Liverpool's Champions League future is on the line.

Labels: Benitez, champions league, Gerrard, injuries, premiership, substitution