Babel: Reds will want success for Stevie
Ryan Babel believes helping Steven Gerrard achieve success in his final season at Liverpool will act as added motivation as his teammates aim to accomplish their goals in the remainder of 2014-15.
The Reds are looking to secure an instant return to the Champions League with a top-four finish, while also still chasing FA Cup glory.
At the conclusion of the campaign, Gerrard will bring his 17-year Anfield career to a close by joining LA Galaxy - and Babel insists his current colleagues will want to ensure he ends on a high.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com in Istanbul recently, the former Reds forward said: "They have looked very good in the last few weeks and have much more confidence than before.
"There's still a good chance of ending in the top four and, knowing it will be Gerrard's last possibility to win a trophy for Liverpool, I am sure the team want to push hard to make sure they end up with one.
"Given their spirit and how Liverpool have always lived for football, I'm sure they'll give their all."
Babel was a teammate of Gerrard's during his three-and-a-half-year spell as a Liverpool player between 2007 and the 2011 January transfer window.
The 28-year-old's admiration for his former captain is unmistakable, and he admits the Reds icon has had a huge impact on his career.
"He is a definitely a person I look up to, and did so back then in training and in games," explained Babel.
"In situations where, as a player, you had a feeling you were about to lose a game, he still had a certain spirit and belief that something could be done to change the game.
"It was something I admired and took with me and tried to help with at the other clubs I've since played for.
"Now I have reached a certain age, people look at me as the experienced player within the squad, so I look at those past situations to help my current situation."
It was in early January when Gerrard announced his decision to leave Liverpool this summer, and Babel admits he felt mixed emotions upon hearing the news.
"Part of me understood it, but as a fan it was sad news," he said. "I think there is a generation who cannot imagine Liverpool without Steven Gerrard, but we also know a football player's career is not very long.
"I guess Stevie came to a point where he had to make a decision and we have to respect that."
After 146 appearances and 22 goals for Liverpool, Babel left for German side Hoffenheim. A return spell with hometown club Ajax followed before he signed for current employers, Kasimpasa.
Nonetheless, the Dutchman remains a fervent follower of the Reds' fortunes, as anyone who follows his social media feeds can testify.
"Most of the games I try to follow, but I am obviously also playing myself, so sometimes my games are at the same time as Liverpool's, so I'll watch the highlights," said Babel.
"Liverpool is still definitely a part of me. Since I left, I've remained a big fan. I still have a house in Liverpool and some friends there. They are a part of me and have been a part of my life in my personal development. It was a good experience."