Steven Gerrard believes that Liverpool's inconsistent form is due to the unstable condition of the club off the field, mainly because of the strained relationship between manager Rafa Benitez and club owners. Speculation surrounds Benitez's future at Anfield after he fell out with American tycoons Tom Hicks and George Gillet near the end of last year. Consequently, according to Gerrard, the team's performance declined as the Reds are 14 points adrift of joint leaders Manchester United and Arsenal. The Champions League finalists last year needed a last-gasp striker from Peter Crouch to avoid an embarrassing defeat at home to Aston Villa on Monday. "It is not just this week, it has been going on for some time and it is certainly not helping the players," Gerrard was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "I have got to be careful what I say about the situation but it is certainly not helping the team. "We know what is going on, but as players you have got a job to do on the pitch. "You try to put what is going on off the pitch to the back of your mind but sometimes it is impossible, when it is every day." The Reds are now battling for a Champions League spot after their title challenge hopes almost faded.
