The Reds boss believes that with a few additions to his squad, the Merseysiders can mount a serious challenge to the teams chasing Champions League qualification

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool can fight off stiff competition to secure a top-four finish next season.

The 40-year-old, who guided the Reds to seventh last term, feels his side now needs no more than a couple of additions to reach their target of returning to the Champions League.

He told The Daily Mirror: “I’m not here to be comfortable, to sit and earn the money and just enjoy being Liverpool manager.

“There’s a pressure that comes with it and  I believe we’re in a much better place to challenge now. I think we can do it – I believe we have built a real good base this year.

“Of course, it will be a tough ask because, as we improve, other clubs will have masses more money to do so as well.

“But it’s not my job to look for excuses, I have to find the solutions to try to push us in there – and I believe we won’t be too far away.

“What we showed last season was promise. There were moments of disappointment and moments of delight, but when I look at the reality of it we scored 47 goals the year before and this time got 71 – and we hope to add to that amount.”

Spanish forward Iago Aspas is set to complete a move to Anfield from Celta Vigo this week, but Rodgers does not intend to stop his summer spending there.

“Defensively, for a team that was supposed to be very strong a year earlier, we only conceded three more goals,” he added.

“So in terms of numbers and performance wise we improved. Now I believe we will improve again – and we have to because we want to sustain a challenge and aim higher every season.

“We need one/two centre-halves, and I’m looking to bring 20 more goals into the team –  so I’m also looking at an offensive player to give us a real threat on goal and another attacking midfield player.

“We definitely need to do that, especially if we’re going to put some young ones out on loan to gain experience.”