• Premier League

Henry: Champions League not a Liverpool priority

ESPN staff
July 20, 2012
Brendan Rodgers will be given time to build at Liverpool © Getty Images
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Liverpool owner John W Henry claims there is no pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers to guide the club back into the Champions League.

The takeover by Henry's Fenway Sports Group at the end of 2010 heralded some heavy spending at Anfield, but last term was one of disappointment in the Premier League as they finished well off the pace.

Kenny Dalglish paid the price by being axed in favour of Rodgers and the hope is he will move the club back into the leading pack alongside Manchester City and United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

But Henry has moved to play down expectation by suggesting a top-four finish is not vital in Rodgers' first season in charge.

"We don't want to put any pressure on Brendan by saying you have got to make the Champions League this year," he said.

"Of course he wants to make the Champions League, we all do and so does every team in the Premier League.

"I thought it was realistic last season but we were so far off that pace.

"At this point we're just trying to get things stabilised - that should be one of our goals."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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