Liverpool have the little matter of a Champions League semi-final against habitual Euro-rivals Chelsea next week, but manager Rafa Benitez is unequivocal: securing fourth spot in the Premier League is the first priority.
Rafa Benitez insists that it is essential for Liverpool to clinch fourth place in the Premier League before his side go into their European showdown with Chelsea next Tuesday.
Liverpool are involved in a scrap with neighbours Everton for fourth place, which would also guarantee qualification for next season's Champions League.
But the Reds are also due to face Chelsea in the semi-finals of this year's Champions League, with the first leg at Anfield on 22nd April, and the return at Stamford Bridge the following week.
Benitez wants his squad to be able to focus fully on Chelsea after the weekend by reinforcing their hold on fourth spot. That means taking three points off struggling Fulham on Saturday.
"It's really important," Benitez told Liverpool's official website when asked about the significance of nailing down fourth place in the table.
"If we can guarantee the fourth position then it will be much better for us and we can focus on the Champions League.
"If we cannot then, okay, we need to use the squad and try to be strong in both competitions."
Liverpool currently hold a five-point advantage over their Merseyside rivals Everton, and a victory against Fulham would all but guarantee the Reds fourth place if the Toffees lose at home to Chelsea on Thursday.
Notorious for his rotation policy, Benitez admits he may be forced to use all members of his squad in order to achieve his aim.
"We will analyse our team and see how the players are," added Benitez. "We will also analyse Fulham.
"We will think about Chelsea but for us to be in the top four is really important and we will have enough energy to play against Chelsea on Tuesday."
Rafa Benitez insists that it is essential for Liverpool to clinch fourth place in the Premier League before his side go into their European showdown with Chelsea next Tuesday.
Liverpool are involved in a scrap with neighbours Everton for fourth place, which would also guarantee qualification for next season's Champions League.
But the Reds are also due to face Chelsea in the semi-finals of this year's Champions League, with the first leg at Anfield on 22nd April, and the return at Stamford Bridge the following week.
Benitez wants his squad to be able to focus fully on Chelsea after the weekend by reinforcing their hold on fourth spot. That means taking three points off struggling Fulham on Saturday.
"It's really important," Benitez told Liverpool's official website when asked about the significance of nailing down fourth place in the table.
"If we can guarantee the fourth position then it will be much better for us and we can focus on the Champions League.
"If we cannot then, okay, we need to use the squad and try to be strong in both competitions."
Liverpool currently hold a five-point advantage over their Merseyside rivals Everton, and a victory against Fulham would all but guarantee the Reds fourth place if the Toffees lose at home to Chelsea on Thursday.
Notorious for his rotation policy, Benitez admits he may be forced to use all members of his squad in order to achieve his aim.
"We will analyse our team and see how the players are," added Benitez. "We will also analyse Fulham.
"We will think about Chelsea but for us to be in the top four is really important and we will have enough energy to play against Chelsea on Tuesday."
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