Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says missing out on the Europa League would be a blessing in disguise.

Rodgers will not be too disappointed if they fall short as he is plotting an assault on the top four next season.

"There are two arguments," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. "As a club we want to be in there. We really enjoyed the European football this season after it had been missing for a year and I know the supporters love the travel.

"But you could argue that a season free of European football would give us a greater chance of finishing in a much higher position in the league - of competing for the top four which is a really difficult task with the teams up there and the finances involved."