Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has warned his old club they will not find it easy to get back into the Champions League.
Liverpool, runners-up in the Premier League two seasons ago, finished sixth last time -- and their campaign ended with a crushing 6-1 defeat at Crouch's current club Stoke.
The forward spent three years at Anfield, playing in the Champions League, and said he believed Liverpool ought to be regulars in that competition.
"A club like Liverpool should be competing in the Champions League," the 34-year-old said in the Daily Mirror. They've got a good squad full of world-class players, and on their day they can beat anyone.
"They have improved from last season, but it's going to be tough. United and City are spending money, Chelsea are strengthening too, so it's going to be difficult for them.
"I would love to see them do it. I was lucky enough to play when we qualified every year and I think that's where they should be. Hopefully, they will get there."
Liverpool return to the Britannia Stadium on the opening day of the season, with Brendan Rodgers' side looking to banish memories of what was their worst defeat in more than half a century.
Crouch said he expected them to "try to put it right," adding: "It was a surreal day, but we're not expecting that again. It will be a tough game.
"We've been fantastic at home against the big teams, so hopefully we can keep that going."