Boss on summer rebuilding plans
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has explained the reasons why he expects the Reds to be in an encouraging position to start the 2013-14 season on the front foot.
The Northern Irishman has seven games remaining on the fixture list for his first campaign at the Anfield helm, with preparation and planning already underway for the next season to come.
Rodgers believes that if the club can continue to recruit the right profile of player during the summer, the Reds can build on the foundations that have been constructed since his arrival.
"I know what direction we're heading in," the boss told reporters gathered at Melwood on Friday afternoon.
"The board have given us great support and from my conversations, this summer should be the same. If we can get the players in that can improve us, then we can have a good squad next year.
"We all know that this year was about building a base and setting us up for the beginning of next season. For us to go to the next level, we're going to need those reinforcements.
"The conversations that I've had with the owners so far have been brilliant - they have been very positive and forthcoming, giving that support.
"It's up to us now as a club to get in the types of players and the type of profile that can really help us. I feel if we can do that, we can put in a challenge right from the very beginning."
The most recent player to conclude a switch to Merseyside was Brazilian attacker Philippe Coutinho, who thrilled supporters at Villa Park last Sunday with an incisive assist for teammate Jordan Henderson.
That through ball was the latest in a line of assists, plus two goals, for the 20-year-old - whose efficiency during matches was highlighted by his manager to the press.
Rodgers added: "He's made a terrific start to his life here, he's a very bright player. He's adapted to European football having moved over to Italy at 18. He's sampled football in Spain.
"We did our homework on him - he's a player our staff were following for a little while and we were fortunate enough to get him out of a big club. He's a wonderful talent and at 20 years of age he's got a very bright future for us.
"Any manager wants quality players. I've never minded whether a player was tall, small, whatever - as long as he has quality. Young Philippe has got great quality. He's been very efficient in his games, that's what's important.
"He doesn't just look a good player, he is a good player. He creates goals, scores goals and thus far he's been very efficient so I've been very pleased."
Rodgers was also questioned on a new contract for Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who also found the target at Aston Villa last weekend and maintained his unblemished appearance record in the Barclays Premier League this season.
"That's private between Steven and I, and the club. That's something that we'll sort out in due course," said the boss.
"He's 32 years of age and he's super fit at the moment. He's played every minute of every game and as a captain has been brilliant this year.
"I still think there's a good few years left in him yet. We work very hard on his individual plan to make him as fit as he can possibly be and the rest is him.
"His responsibility on the field and how he manages himself off the field has been first class. He's 33 in May - I still see another three to five years left for him yet, as long as everything holds up with his body."
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Also in the manager's sights for long-term success at Anfield is Joe Allen, the Welsh midfielder who became Rodgers' second Liverpool signing when he joined from Swansea in 2012.
"He came into a club of this magnitude - to sustain how he started the season for a whole season was always going to be difficult," added the 40-year-old.
"He was outstanding in that opening period. Like all players, they go through different stages of form and confidence. I've worked closely with Joe for a couple of years so I know his talents and qualities.
"I know he will end up being a super player for Liverpool. We brought him here for the now but going forward as well.
"He's a wonderful technician, tactically strong but can physically cope with the battle. It has been difficult for him because of his shoulder; it was under wraps for a long time and he didn't want that to be thrown out there.
"His body work is vital in his game and it got to a point where it wasn't doing him any favours. So it was best to get that done, get the surgery completed and it means we get a player back in pre-season fully fit.
"The first three months of the season he was Player of the Month so the Liverpool supporters saw in that opening period that he has qualities. He always wants the football and it takes courage to be that type of player and he showed that by the bucketload.
"Of course you have up and down spells but I've got every faith in him. He's a good boy and a very humble player who always wants to get better.
"He now knows what it takes to be a Liverpool player and if he can continue to play how he did at the beginning of the season, and he's fully fit, he'll be a great asset for us."