Rodgers: We won't be looking at table

With three games remaining heading into the weekend, the sixth-placed Blues sit five points and one position ahead of the Reds in the table.

A first win in front of the Kop in 14 years for David Moyes's side would ensure they finished the campaign above Liverpool - but Rodgers claims his side won't be thinking about the permutations the outcome of the clash will have on the final league standings come kick off.

Asked by journalists at Melwood about the importance of finishing above Everton this season, Rodgers replied: "It's very important to finish as high as we possibly can. Traditionally, over many years Liverpool have been the top team here in the city, there's no question about that.

"Last year Everton finished above ourselves, but for us this year it's really about finishing as high as we possibly can.

"We've got three games left and want to win every one - and we want to win the next game, which is the most important one.

"It'll be tough because they're a good side and David has done a brilliant job there with the group. They've had another very good season but we're coming into the game with real confidence.

"Our performance last week [at Newcastle] was outstanding and the team is full of confidence at the moment, both in our attacking and in our defending - but we understand it'll be a tough match."

With Everton having enjoyed a fine season under Moyes, reporters were eager to know whether Rodgers viewed Sunday's showdown as a test of Liverpool's credentials against sides above them in the table.

The Reds boss responded: "I don't see it as that - I think every game is a test for us.

"Our idea going forward is that we're going to be in a position next year where we can challenge consistently at the top level.

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"We had a difficult start [this season] - we didn't win a game until the end of September. But in terms of where the club has come and how it has grown over the months, I'll pay great respect to the players and the staff, who have worked very, very hard.

"For us [the Everton game] is not a benchmark at all - it's another game for us to show we have the qualities to compete.

"We've just got to maintain the standards that we've set in the second half of the season and, in particular, last week's performance.

"There was everything there, in terms of our defensive performance and our intensity. There was real quality in our offensive game, so for us the idea is to maintain that standard.

"We know it's going to be a very difficult game but whether we win 5-0, 6-0 or 1-0, the objective will be to win."

Everton are without a win at Anfield since September 1999, while Liverpool are unbeaten in the last five meetings in all competitions.

Rodgers, though, is paying no attention to such statistics.

"I never read too much into that sort of stuff," he said. "When we went to Wigan this year, the team hadn't won there for a number of years but we played very well and won the game.

"We're at home and we expect to win our games at home. We know it's going to be a very tough game. Everton are well organised and they are a good side, but we'll be ready for the weekend."

For Rodgers, it will be his first taste of a Merseyside derby from the home dugout. His only other experience of the fixture came in October's pulsating 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

It's an Anfield occasion he's relishing.

"I am really, really looking forward to feeling the atmosphere at Anfield," he stated. "At Goodison Park it was brilliant; our supporters were really loud and supported the team, and the Everton supporters gave their team great backing.

"I am really looking forward to it and asking our crowd to be at the top of their game, and they are at Anfield which is brilliant.

"They've given us great backing this season and we're really looking forward to the game. As I said, we go into it with big confidence.

"As a manager, every game is important - derby games in particular - but the concentration has to be controlled and we're looking to get three points."

Meanwhile, Rodgers was quizzed by journalists about newspaper reports which suggested Liverpool could turn down a place in next season's Europa League if they were offered a route into the competition via the Fair Play League.

He said: "I think I was asked the question last week and [my reply] was obviously meant as a joke, but it gets reportedly differently. We want to be in European football however it comes, but obviously we'd prefer to go down the football route.

"As a football club you have to [accept the offer]. I don't think it's something you can turn down if you get an opportunity to go into European football.

"The journey we had this year in the Europa League, all the players thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great exercise for us. We were bitterly disappointed to go out. If we got the chance to do it again, for sure we would."

Elsewhere, the manager was also asked for his thoughts on the prospect of Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho returning to manage in the Barclays Premier League at some point in the future.

Rodgers worked under the Portuguese coach during their time together at Chelsea.

He joked: "It'd be good. It'd be good for you guys - it'll make your job easier! You won't have to make it up then; you'll just write what he says!

"If he does come back here, I'm sure he will add something to our game. He had a wonderful time here in England and I know that he loves the country, loves the league and loves the passion. He will be a great addition if he decides to come back."