Champions League: Rodgers Believes Getting Past Group Stages Is Key For Liverpool's Season

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that getting past the group stages of the Champions League will be key for the Reds' season.

The Merseyside outfit have failed to meet expectations in the ongoing campaign after ending the 2013-14 term as runners-up. Nevertheless, the Irish mentor is not losing hope and sees the opportunity in Europe's top-tier as a path that they can capitalise on.

"Once you get through the group stage anything can happen. That is the key for me," he said.

"I know come February, when it starts again, we will be a better team because of the players we'll have available if we manage to get through. That is what I am looking forward to."

"We have seen that the best team doesn't always win the competition. You can get a good draw, a bit of luck and, as I've said, we will have a good side that can do well come February I am sure."

Should Liverpool be booted out early, they will still have their chances in the Europa League, but such a scenario has not crossed Rodgers mind just yet as he keeps himself focused on the bigger task at hand.

"I'm not even thinking about that," he added.

"That's a consequence of what happens. It's not the competition you want to be in, but the only focus is winning this game. I haven't given that one second thought."

"A win would give the players a huge amount of confidence, having not consistently played that well all season, the key tomorrow is to get a big win. It may not come with a big performance but the main objective is the win."

"Get that and we've seen over the years that qualification gives you confidence. We can then park it until February and concentrate on the league. We have had big performances in my time and want to deliver another to give us that platform."

To get the latest updates, follow IBTimes Sport on Twitter.