It has so far been a disappointing campaign for the Anfield aces who made early exits from the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carling Cup.
With seven Barclays Premier League defeats already, the Europa League represents the Merseysiders’ only realistic hope of silverware.
But Rush believes the prime target must be to secure next season’s Champions League place via a top-four finish.
He said: “From a finance point of view, it is vital that Liverpool finish in the top four.
“It would mean more to the club than winning the Europa League simply because of the money it would bring in.
“Obviously I would like to see them do both but the main target has to be getting back into the Champions League.
“I know the supporters would probably want to get to a final but Liverpool really have to finish in that top four – and I think they will do.
“Results went their way on Saturday and they are picking up some momentum so I do fancy them.”
under pressure
Liverpool can take a major step towards achieving that goal on Wednesday night when they visit third-placed Arsenal.
Victory at the Emirates would see the Reds move to within two points of Arsene Wenger’s men who have lost to Manchester United and Chelsea in their last two matches.
The Gunners are now nine points behind the leaders and know they cannot afford a third successive defeat.
And Rush believes Liverpool have enough about them to put the north London club under pressure.
He added: “Arsenal have just lost to Chelsea and Manchester United so it depends how well they respond to that.
“But if Liverpool can win this one then they might even catch Arsenal. They are certainly capable of getting a result but it will be tight, probably only the odd goal in it.”
long overdue
Despite his confidence about a top four finish, Rush accepts Liverpool have had a disappointing campaign.
After pushing Manchester United all the way in last season’s title race, Rafael Benitez’s men were highly-fancied to go one better by claiming their first crown since 1990.
Rush, the club’s all-time record scorer, was part of the last Liverpool team to win the championship almost two decades ago and he ackowledges a repeat is long overdue.
During that time the Merseysiders have had to watch rivals Manchester United dominate the English game, matching Liverpool’s record haul of 18 titles.
Rush added: “If you had said to me in 1990 that Liverpool would not win the league in the next 20 years I would have laughed.
“I never thought United would go on and match our number of titles and I know that hurts the supporters who are desperate to see Liverpool win it once more.”
fans’ competition
Rush is backing Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes – a unique competition which aims to find the ultimate fan’s experience of the Barclays Premier League, with a fabulous prize to be won.
Barclays want to hear about fans’ dedication to their favourites. How, where and when do you watch matches? What lengths do you go to in order to support your team?
The fan who enters the best Barclays Premier League match-day experience will win a trip for two to see their favourite Barclays Premier League team play live in the UK.
Check EPLTable.com to enter via the competition website. Fans are required to explain in no more than 100 words why they feel their match-day experience is the best in the world.
Supporters are also encouraged to support their entries by uploading videos and photos. The competition will run from 8th February 2010 through to 22nd March 2010 with the winner of Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes’ announced in April 2010.
“Ian Rush is a judge for Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes and was speaking at the launch of the global fan competition to find the best Barclays Premier League match-day experience across the globe. Fans have until 22nd March to enter via the competition website – www.barclaysfootball.com”
“The main target has to be getting back into the Champions League” – Ian Rush
Credits: PremierLeague.com
Comments on this entry are closed.