Finishing in the top-four is our priority, insists Benitez

RAFAEL BENITEZ has confirmed Liverpool will prioritise their bid to make a swift return to the Champions League over a tilt for Europa League glory.

Being winners of Europe’s most-prized club trophy in 2005 and finalists in 2007 counts for little now in the wake of an exit in the group stages for the first time in six seasons under Benitez.

A 1-0 win in Budapest against Group E whipping boys Debrecen on Tuesday night could not rescue Liverpool, and although they will be considered one of the favourites to win the Europa League, clinching a place in England’s top four is Benitez’s main target.