'We know where we want to be'
Jamie Carragher admits results will ultimately dictate Liverpool's objectives this season but acknowledges a top four finish will always be the priority.
The Reds have taken seven points from their first three league matches after securing a superb 3-1 win over Bolton on Saturday evening.
The vice-captain insists it is too early to have a clear idea of realistic targets this term but concedes that a return to Champions League football is high on the agenda.
Carragher said: "The target the manager has set is number one and rightly so. At the start of the season you have to have that target but that can change as the season progresses. If you aren't up there competing it will change.
"If we are up there challenging in November-December then we will be heading in the right direction. But I think everyone at the club will pleased if we get in the top four this season because that's certainly where the club needs to be."
Liverpool's business in the summer transfer market means that competition for places is proving to be as stiff as ever in L4.
Carragher has been delighted with the new recruits but points to a man who arrived back in January as the catalyst for our upturn in fortunes.
He said: "When you look at some of the players that we have brought in - Downing looks like he's going to be a great player for us and he's started really well.
"But Suarez is as good as anything in the league. He's what Rooney is at Man United and what Tevez is at City.
"Stevie is the player we look to in tough times but he's out, so now we have Luis who can be the one who can maybe get us out of a bit of trouble.
"We've got more competition for places. People are actually saying 'I wonder what the team will be.' If we don't know then the opposition don't either."
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Liverpool have looked an altogether different proposition under the positive stewardship of Kenny Dalglish.
The Reds legend greets every goal with a beaming smile and Carragher reckons that gives everyone in the squad an extra spring in their step.
He said: "Everyone can see he has great man-management skills and makes people feel good. When you add that it gives players confidence and they go onto the training pitch everyday with a smile on their face.
"As a player, whenever you saw Kenny Dalglish score a goal the instant image you recall is a big smile on his face. He's exactly the same now when we score a goal. That's great to see. It has a positive impact on the players as well as the supporters."