Adam Lallana has stated that Liverpool are hopeful of making a return to the Champions League next season by going all the way in the Europa League this term.

Many teams previously viewed the Champions League as an unnecessary distraction but with a spot up for grabs in Europe's premier elite, the second tier competition is being taken more seriously over the last two years.

Liverpool are also one of the big teams which is hopeful of winning the Europa League this season and midfielder Lallana has stated that the competition is a great chance for the Reds to force their way back to the top.

Lallana said: "It's a huge competition for us. It's a great chance to get back into the Champions League, which is where we really want to be. We had a taste of it last season.

"No matter how we do, people will always have an opinion. We just have to concentrate on what we do and focus on our job – that's the only thing we can control."