Rafael Benitez wants his team to push on and build up a big lead in the Barclays Premier League.
The Liverpool manager wants his side to take advantage of the break in Champions League action to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
With the group stage finishing this week - Liverpool comfortably qualified for the last 16 - there is now a lull in European competition until the knockout stage begins in February.
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That will allow the Reds, currently a point clear of Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League, three months to focus solely on domestic matters.
knuckle down
And Benitez has urged his side to knuckle down for those 10 league matches, saying: "We now have almost three months to concentrate on the Premier League, and the FA Cup. We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of the table.
"We have qualified for the next stage in Europe, we are top of the Premier League, and now we can concentrate on domestic considerations.
"We do not want to give up top spot. If we are still there when we start up again in Europe, the chances of a really good season will be obvious."
Benitez also took time to praise Brazilian midfielder Lucas after the youngster bounced back from supporters' criticism with a good performance against PSV Eindhoven this week.
"Myself and the staff, as well as his team-mates, know that Lucas is a very good player. He showed that he has character and quality," said Benitez.
"Maybe Lucas has been spurred on by some of the criticism. But this week he has shown he is a good professional.
"His response to questions about his form - and the reaction to him from
The Liverpool manager wants his side to take advantage of the break in Champions League action to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
With the group stage finishing this week - Liverpool comfortably qualified for the last 16 - there is now a lull in European competition until the knockout stage begins in February.
11038
That will allow the Reds, currently a point clear of Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League, three months to focus solely on domestic matters.
knuckle down
And Benitez has urged his side to knuckle down for those 10 league matches, saying: "We now have almost three months to concentrate on the Premier League, and the FA Cup. We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of the table.
"We have qualified for the next stage in Europe, we are top of the Premier League, and now we can concentrate on domestic considerations.
"We do not want to give up top spot. If we are still there when we start up again in Europe, the chances of a really good season will be obvious."
Benitez also took time to praise Brazilian midfielder Lucas after the youngster bounced back from supporters' criticism with a good performance against PSV Eindhoven this week.
"Myself and the staff, as well as his team-mates, know that Lucas is a very good player. He showed that he has character and quality," said Benitez.
"Maybe Lucas has been spurred on by some of the criticism. But this week he has shown he is a good professional.
"His response to questions about his form - and the reaction to him from
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