Gerrard said in The Sun: "Obviously the manager wants to look at different candidates. He's looking not just at the captains but all the players.
"All his staff are keeping an eye on us, looking at our strengths and weaknesses.
"The captaincy's a big thing because he hasn't named him but, to me, I focus on the games, keep trying to impress the manager on the pitch and, if the captaincy comes along, then great.
"Every single player has things to prove, as does the team.
"We've underachieved so every time we train and every time there's an opportunity to come and play in these games, you've got to try and impress the manager to stay involved.
"I'm sure this manager will be ruthless if you don't meet his standards.
"If you don't play how he wants you to play or to his system then it's goodbye."