Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits they'll be in trouble if a top four finish isn't secured this season.
The Reds face Champions League elimination at the group stage for the first time since Benitez's arrival.
He said: "Not staying in the Champions League will not be a big problem financially because the budget was set only for the group stages. Anything after that would have been a bonus.
"Of course there will be problems if we are not in the Champions League next year - but I believe we will be.
"It is a question of winning one or two games in a row and everything will look different again."