• Premier League

Liverpool owner issues Champions League warning

ESPN staff
August 1, 2011
John W Henry has spent big for Liverpool this summer © PA Photos
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Liverpool owner John W Henry has warned Kenny Dalglish it would be a "major disappointment" if the club doesn't secure Champions League football this season.

Henry has overseen the introduction of a new feel-good factor at Anfield, implementing a transfer policy that concentrates on building for the future, whilst promising never to offer large contracts to players with little resale value - such as the deal handed to Joe Cole last summer.

Significant investment in new players has also raised expectations, with Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing all arriving as big-money summer captures.

That trio will be used to support the January arrivals of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, brought in to replace Fernando Torres, and Henry now expects to see a return on his investment. The Liverpool owner isn't demanding the league title, but he wants the Reds back at Europe's top table.

"It's too early for us to start talking about winning the league," Henry told Dagbladet. "In my opinion Manchester United are the ones to beat. They have a good squad, and look really good.

"Our main goal is to qualify for the Champions League. If we don't it would be a major disappointment."

Former Red Xabi Alonso stated earlier on Monday that he believes Liverpool will finish in the top four this season. Dalglish's side continue pre-season preparations against Valerenga, live on ESPN in the UK, on Monday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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