Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Rodriguez: We Must Secure Champions League Spot Next Season

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is targeting a Champions League place after an impressive end to the season.

The Reds endured their worst start to a campaign since 1953-54 under Roy Hodgson, but Kenny Dalglish helped guide the team from a mid-table position to sixth place following his arrival in January.

Maxi finished the season by scoring seven goals in four games, and now hopes Liverpool, who have not even qualified for next season's Europa League, can return to the Champions League as soon as possible.

“Personally, I'm very happy,” Maxi told Liverpool Daily Post. “I finished the season with lots of goals but also the team's performances were improved.

“The team did not start well but we almost turned it around to reach Europe. We must return to the Champions League next season.”

Sergio Aguero has announced his intention to leave Maxi's former club Atletico Madrid this summer, and the Liverpool midfielder says he can understand why his international team-mate wants a new challenge.

“When [former Atletico and Liverpool striker Fernando] Torres was the captain of the team we were not so good - he really had to drag the side through games,” he continued. “Now Kun probably also feels alone and it is difficult to carry the club by yourself.”

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