Rodgers Eyeing Top Four

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants his team to embrace the challenge of breaking back into the top four.

The Reds have not qualified for the UEFA Champions League since 2009 but after several disappointing seasons new boss Rodgers is confident they can make a better attempt at rejoining Europe's elite.

"I've said right from the off I want to make us as competitive as we can possibly be," said the Liverpool boss.

"The challenge at the top of the table is greater than ever. Now there are seven or eight teams involved but the top four is certainly not something we'll shy away from.

"It's where a club of this status wants to be but it's always easier said than done and the reality over the past three seasons or so hasn't been that.

"Our job is to try to push on. There has been a lot of work done over the last few years to try to get the club back into the top echelons of the league so we are hoping to do that."

Rodgers is hopeful that by changing the club's tactical approach and by introducing quality youngsters such as Fabio Borini and Joe Allen he can turn Liverpool's fortunes around.

"There has been a lot of change and a lot of work going on and of course every manager wants patience but the reality of football means that's not the way it works," he added.

"The challenges are great and the pressures at this level are great.

"There is a long way to go for us. We will be better next year than we are this year because there will have been more time to work with the players and they will have adapted more to my methods.

"But all we can do is retain our focus and concentration to improve how we play and, more importantly, to be effective.

"A system or style is not very good if you're not winning games. You have to win matches.

"Your principles are based on the players you have and hopefully over the next number of years we will be able to bring in certain types which allow us to play a certain way.

"Until that moment comes the players are working tirelessly and relentlessly to improve their game and get results and at this early stage it is very promising for them."