Boss: I'll find ways to move forward
Brendan Rodgers is relishing the pressure that comes with trying to put Liverpool back among Europe's elite – and he is confident the club's activity in the summer transfer window can push his team forward.
The Reds finished seventh in the Northern Irishman's maiden season at Anfield - up one place from 2011-12.
A difficult start was followed by some sensational football in the second half of the campaign, with new signings Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge having an instant impact.
Rodgers knows the task now is to build on the foundations he has laid - and he's looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm not here to be comfortable and sit and earn the money and just enjoy being the Liverpool manager," he said.
"There's a pressure that comes with it. And I believe we're in a much better place to do that.
"What we have shown in my first season is promise.
"There have been moments of disappointment and moments of delight but when I look at the reality of it we scored 47 goals the season before I arrived and this time got 71, and we hope to add to that amount.
Compare Liverpool's league performance in 2011-12 (left) to 2012-13 (right) with our Opta widget below
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"Defensively, for a team that was supposedly very strong last year, we only conceded three more goals so in terms of numbers and performance-wise then we have improved.
"I believe we will improve again and we have to because we want to sustain a challenge. I think we can do but it will be a tough ask because as we improve other clubs will have masses more money to improve also.
"But I believe we have built a real good base. It's not my job to look for excuses, I have to find the solutions to try and push us in there and I believe we won't be too far away."