Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has rejected fresh criticism of the Europa League, insisting he is desperate to clinch fifth place ahead of Tottenham, in the race for European football next season.The Uruguyan echoed the sentiments issued by club vice-captain Jamie Carragher that the Merseysiders must be competing for the much maligned trophy.
All guns blazing: Suarez celebrates scoring Liverpool's third goal
Suarez who was speaking in the aftermath of Liverpool's 3-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend said:
'For me it is important, the sort of competition you want to play in. A club like Liverpool can only think in one way.
'If you get in to the Champions League, your objective has to be to win that.
'If you get in the Europa League, of course, your objective has to be to win that.
'That is what a club like this must aim for. We have to do everything we can to win as many competitions as we can.'
Formidable: Suarez has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with fellow forward Kuyt (centre)
With Liverpool having leapfrogged Tottenham into fifth place on goal difference - after the North Londoners controvertial defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, he added: 'The Europa League is our objective. When I came I wanted to help Liverpool get there but when the second half of the season started it looked really difficult.
'There are still three games left and we have to prepare ourselves really well to make sure we get all the points we can.'
And with Liverpool set to face Tottenham at Anfield in the penultimate game of the season, the ?22.8m signing from Ajax admitted he is looking forward to tackling Spurs.
'That is going to be a great game. That will be the most important game of our season if we want to dream about going to the Europa League.
'We have kept winning games, we have played really well and got some important victories, and we have just been hoping Tottenham drop points.'
?Carragher desperate to lead Liverpool into Europe following tough seasonYes we can! Reina insists Liverpool can secure fifth place after Europa exitAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion ?Explore more:People: Jamie Carragher Places: Newcastle, Liverpool
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail