Liverpool handed true Premier League verdict as Ange Postecoglou warning issued
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Liverpool have been urged to remain focused on the Premier League and securing a top-four finish, despite the alarming start to the season under Arne SlotLiverpool legend John Barnes has insisted the Reds must secure Champions League qualification this season - and warned against prioritising cup competitions after slipping behind in the Premier League title race. The loss marked their fifth defeat of the campaign, halting a two-match winning streak that had seen victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid end a difficult spell.The Reds return to Anfield when top-flight action resumes after the November international break, welcoming Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest.READ MORE: Premier League panel decide disallowed Virgil van Dijk goal SHOULD have stood in new twistWith their hopes of retaining the Premier League title diminishing, suggestions have emerged to concentrate efforts on securing a seventh European trophy in the Champions League.However, Barnes, who won the title with Liverpool, has called on the club to stay committed to the Premier League and cementing a top-four finish.The 62-year-old admits he would be "really disappointed" if Liverpool fail to land a Champions League spot.
"If you look at the progress we've made, not withstanding the Manchester City game unfortunately we came up against a very, very good team who were much better team, I don't see us going back to when we lost those five games," he said speaking via Video Gamer."We played a great Man City team and we didn't perform, if you look at the Real Madrid game and the game before that, we're not going to be playing a team like them every week so therefore, I don't see it as a crisis."We are eighth but only three or four points off the Champions League. I'd be very disappointed if we don't make the Champions League this season."Liverpool's upcoming fixtures appear favourable on paper, with the Reds set to face teams from the lower reaches of the table.Slot's men will be desperate to put behind them a torrid spell which included four consecutive Premier League losses and an unexpected defeat in Turkey against Galatasaray.With their title defence looking increasingly unlikely, Barnes dismissed the notion that cup success alone would represent a satisfactory campaign.
If you go out of the Champions League then it's the Europa League, win the Europa League and finish 10th is that a successful season?"No, what it is is being consistent in the league that means winning most weeks and improving. You could play Barcelona in the semi-final or final and lose, does that mean because we didn't win the Champions League or a trophy it's a failure?"."For me, it's about what you do in the league week in week out, winning more than you lose.