Liverpool were well off the pace last season and were not in the race for fourth at the end.

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