Enrique targets top-four assault
Jose Enrique is confident that the growth in Liverpool's football since the beginning of 2013 can provide the platform for a top-four challenge next season.
The Reds concluded their Barclays Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, having already secured a seventh-place finish in the standings.
Acknowledging that the club 'have to be much higher', the Spaniard believes a return to the Champions League positions can be achieved - if early-season mistakes are avoided.
"The top four has to be our target next season," Enrique told the Liverpool Echo.
"It will be difficult as even with new managers the top clubs will spend a lot this summer to strengthen. But, to be honest, I don't think we have to worry about the rest, we just have to worry about ourselves.
"The reason we weren't in the top four this season isn't because of any other team, it's because of our own mistakes. I think this is the best league in the world with so many teams fighting for those top places. Next season we hope we will be there.
"In terms of where we are in the league, it has not been a great season for us. Liverpool cannot be there - they have to be much higher for sure.
"You can see there are 12 points difference between us and the top four, but in terms of being a football team we have moved forward.
"We had some problems earlier in the season when we lost many points and now we regret that. We wanted to do well from the start but it was a different type of football with a new manager and a new type of training.
"I was one of those players who had played this style before when I was in Spain but a lot of players were not used to it.
"Brendan wants us to play good football and I think every player is really happy with this way of working. Of course it takes time but since January we have done really well. Come next season we will be more used to this style and the system and we'll work better together."
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After beginning the campaign on the fringes of Brendan Rodgers' starting XI, 27-year-old Enrique rallied to feature on 35 occasions during 2012-13.
He added: "I don't look upon it as proving anyone wrong. I've just done what I love to do.
"I always try to do my best for the team. For six months when I first signed for Liverpool I was playing really well.
"At the start of this season I was playing with a knee problem and it was difficult. It hurt me and we didn't have the solution for a long time. That meant I couldn't play like I knew I could. Once that was sorted out I was able to contribute for the team.
"I still have to improve some things but I think I'm getting better every season. As you get older you know more. This type of football the manager wants has really helped me as it's the type of football I love to play.
"I am happy at this incredible club and in this city. The support we get from the fans is amazing and also from people inside the club who do so much for us. I still have three years on my contract and hopefully I can stay at this club for many years."