Despite Liverpool’s impressive start to the season, skipper Steven Gerrard says the Reds remain grounded.

Qualifying for Europe next season remains their primary task, but as long as they stay within touching distance of the top of the table, they will be considered title outsiders by some.

Gerrard does not want Liverpool to get carried away however.

He says that even though they have played well, second place on the log after 11 games only represents a “slight” improvement in the grand scheme of things.

"I think it's important for me as captain of the team not to raise expectations," 33-year-old Gerrard told ESPN.

"When you're talking about winning titles, it's premature, it's too early, and I don't want to get anyone's hopes up.

"That would be unfair. Our dream and our plan at the beginning of the season was to break into the top four.

"We're slightly ahead of where we thought we'd be, but it's a tough league and there's six or seven teams capable of finishing in the top four... so there's (going to be) a huge fight.

"But the confidence and belief are definitely there."

As he ages, Gerrard is running out of chances to win the Premier League title, and a league winner’s medal is all that is missing from his glittering trophy collection.

So with the Reds in such fine form, it must be hard for him to temper his own excitement and ambition.

However, the dashing midfielder says that even though he dreams about it, failure to win the league will not be something he regrets forever if it happens that way.

"There'd be a hole missing in my career but I don't think I'd spend the rest of my life being irritated or annoyed or frustrated,” he said.

"I don't think that would be fair on myself. I broke into this team at 18 years of age, I've tried to win the title but it hasn't happened.

"I've got a couple more chances and I'll continue to fight for it."