(to the Euros 
)
Rick Parry believes the Premier League title is a priority for Liverpool. Photograph: Tom O'Brien Action Images
Rick Parry has admitted Liverpool must challenge for the Premier League next season after describing the club's elusive 19th title as "a priority target". The Liverpool chief executive remains at the centre of the political infighting between the owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but has called on all factions to unite behind a bid for Manchester United's crown next term.
The Champions League again proved Rafael BenÃtez's salvation last season as he reached the semi-finals for the third time in four years. But, having failed to mount a genuine title challenge in that time, he is acutely aware of the pressure to remain in a title race during his fifth season in charge.
"We have to look back, learn and build for next season when the Premier League title will again be a priority target," said Parry. "As ever, we now begin to concentrate on further improving the squad for next year. We have to be real contenders. We have the nucleus of a very good team and now we must build on that during the summer break."
Fernando Torres, meanwhile, has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Liverpool this summer. "I am very happy at Liverpool," the Spain international said. "I prefer not to think about these stories and to focus on Euro 2008. After the Euros I will go on holiday and then return to Liverpool."
)Rick Parry believes the Premier League title is a priority for Liverpool. Photograph: Tom O'Brien Action Images
Rick Parry has admitted Liverpool must challenge for the Premier League next season after describing the club's elusive 19th title as "a priority target". The Liverpool chief executive remains at the centre of the political infighting between the owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but has called on all factions to unite behind a bid for Manchester United's crown next term.
The Champions League again proved Rafael BenÃtez's salvation last season as he reached the semi-finals for the third time in four years. But, having failed to mount a genuine title challenge in that time, he is acutely aware of the pressure to remain in a title race during his fifth season in charge.
"We have to look back, learn and build for next season when the Premier League title will again be a priority target," said Parry. "As ever, we now begin to concentrate on further improving the squad for next year. We have to be real contenders. We have the nucleus of a very good team and now we must build on that during the summer break."
Fernando Torres, meanwhile, has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Liverpool this summer. "I am very happy at Liverpool," the Spain international said. "I prefer not to think about these stories and to focus on Euro 2008. After the Euros I will go on holiday and then return to Liverpool."
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