Liverpool keeper Jose Reina admits the strength of the Reds squad meant a Premier League title challenge was always going to be highly unlikely this season. Securing fourth place and with it Champions League football looks a distant hope with Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa all ahead of them.
And Reina concedes Liverpool are playing for pride in their remaining two matches.
"We couldn't aim to win the Premier League or a big title yet," said the Spain international.
"So we have to try to have a better squad and try to be a bit closer to the top of the table and be more competitive.
"I don't know [the solution]. I'm not the manager or the one who is doing the transfers or spending the money.
"But we have to win more games. We cannot be happy. The season's over almost.
"There is nothing to fight for in terms of titles. It is about pride and trying to finish as high as possible and trying to deliver a good performance on Sunday in the last home game (against Chelsea).
"To be honest, what I'm thinking now is to win those two games and have a little break before the World Cup and then try to win the World Cup.
"After that we will have plenty of time to prepare for the season and make sure we prepare better than we did this one."
