Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's nine new signings this summer have sufficiently strengthened Brendan Rodgers' squad for battling in four different competitions this season. The Reds must navigate the additional demands of the Champions League in 2014-15, including a much-anticipated double-header against Spanish giants Real Madrid later this year.
Participation in Europe's elite club competition supplements domestic commitments in the Barclays Premier League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, making for a packed schedule. But the skipper is confident that the manager's transfer business has added the necessary depth for Liverpool to continue an upward trajectory that inspired a title challenge last year.
"We have signed some wonderful players and the squad is an awful lot stronger," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.com ahead of today's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
"Even losing Luis [Suarez], I still feel that, numbers-wise, we are better set to cope with the demands this year. I think we will compete in every competition.
"The tough part is maybe going to be after a Champions League game. Can we lift ourselves and perform consistently in the following league game?
"We have got a lot more games this year and they're coming thick and fast. We'll find ourselves having a tough Premier League game, tough Champions League game and then another tough Premier League game within seven days.
"It's all about the squad - we need everyone, it's not about the 11."
The most recent acquisition to bolster the ranks at Melwood was Italy international Mario Balotelli, who sealed a move from AC Milan earlier this week.
Gerrard witnessed the 24-year-old's abilities up close at the World Cup in the summer, and now hopes the Reds' new No.45 can reproduce those skills at club level.
"I have been impressed when I've played against him, for England," the midfielder assessed. "He only had cameos against us for Manchester City.
"But against Italy, for England, he was superb - his movement, touch and he got the winner. He was a real handful and difficult to manage because of his pace and movement.
"He has got an unbelievable shot with so much power. Hopefully he can bring that to Liverpool because if he does, he will certainly be a great tool for us and he'll help us.
"They are the type of players you need at Premier League and Champions League level."
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