Liverpool legend Ian Rush has insisted that the top four remains an "achievable" goal for the club this season.
The Reds currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, seven points adrift of the final Champions League spot with just nine matches of their season remaining.
They do have games in hand over the teams around them in the table, however, and with a Europa League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund also to come, Rush stressed that there is plenty still left to fight for this season.
"I think [Jurgen Klopp] has done very well so far. But I think next season is when we will really start to see his work, when he has had a full pre-season with the players and another transfer window. I think then we will see Liverpool really kick on," he told PA Sport.
"There will be players he will want to move out and players he will want to bring in, and I think Liverpool will look to strengthen in every area of the squad. But this season is not over yet for Liverpool. I still think the top four must be the aim - and I think it is achievable. I said it at the start of the season and I still believe that now.
"We are still in the Europa League, it is a difficult draw but I think the winners of that tie could go on and win it. So there is still a lot to play for this season. It is a shame we couldn't go on and win the League Cup but to win trophies you sometimes need that little bit of luck and we didn't have it that day.
"But there are good signs there and in time [Klopp] will assemble a squad, not just a team, a squad capable of competing with the very best - because that is what Liverpool should be doing. I think he is beginning to realise the expectations among Liverpool fans but I think he has the fans on his side with the enthusiasm and passion he shows on the touchline. Hopefully it will all start to really come together next season."
Liverpool return to Premier League action at home to title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.
Barney Corkhill
