A top four finish is our priority, says Benitez

RAFAEL BENITEZ will put all thoughts of the Europa League on hold in a bid to reignite Liverpool’s stuttering Premier League form.

The Merseysiders completed a miserable Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at home to Fiorentina on Wednesday night – another late goal, this time from Alberto Gilardino, condemning them to a third defeat in six Group E contests.

A third-placed finish means the club will compete in the Europa League in the new year but Benitez’s main priority is to ensure the club return to Champions League action next season via a top-four finish in England’s top flight.