Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish says the club needs a settled long-term focus.

Liverpool's failure to make a challenge for the top four has not ­prevented ­Dalglish living up to Bill Shankly's ­philosophy that the club "exists to win trophies".

Victory over Chelsea at ­Wembley next month will complete a domestic cup double.

Dalglish said: "The beliefs and ­philosophy that Bill Shankly put in place will never change at this ­football club.

"If that's what Shanks believed then maybe a few people should listen to him.

"The problem is the goalposts keep moving. Some people say that ­winning trophies is more important, other say it's all about finishing in the top four."

He added: "The overall view this ­season was to improve, give the ­supporters a bit of pride back and put a smile on their faces."