Friday, May 14, 2010

Kuyt Sets Reds Target


Dirk Kuyt admits it is crucial Liverpool get themselves back in the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Reds missed out on Europe's premier competition this season after finishing in seventh spot in their worst finish in 11 years.

It is feared Liverpool's failure to qualify for next season's Champions League could see a number of top stars depart Anfield, while it could hamper their chances of landing transfer targets.

However, Kuyt feels Liverpool are still an attractive proposition providing they make a swift return to the Premier League's top four next season.

"Liverpool is a massive club. It's very disappointing that we don't have the Champions League because, up until last season, we had done so well in the competition," said Kuyt.

"But this is what has happened. We have just got to make sure that we will be right back in it next year.

"Players who want to play in the Champions League would like Liverpool.

"We just have to make sure that we will back in it within one year."

Kuyt believes with a few quality additions and keeping Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard Liverpool can be back challenging for honours next term.

"If we can buy a few more players, I think we will be really close to winning trophies again," added Kuyt.

"There were times this season when we didn't play well and conceded last-minute goals but we were also really unlucky, when you think of the beach ball (which contributed to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland) and the injuries we had.

"Fernando was a huge miss in particular. Last season, it was the opposite and we were the ones scoring the last-minute goals. Everything was going our way then.

"We just need a little bit more luck and a bit more quality in the team. Everyone knows that.

"In the meantime, everyone who is here needs to work really hard to improve."

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