Liverpool have fallen short of target, admits Parry

Gerard Houllier's future as Liverpool manager is not solely dependant on securing a place in the Champions' League, according to the club's chief executive, Rick Parry.

The Anfield side currently lie fourth in the Premiership, the final Champions' League place, but have lost their last two games and are under increasing pressure from several clubs also vying for qualification into Europe's top club competition.

Asked if the manager's position rested entirely on Liverpool finishing fourth, Parry replied: "No, of course it doesn't. Statements saying this will happen if we finish fourth and that will happen if we finish fifth is not what this club's about and it's not helpful at the present time."

In an interview with the club's official website, Parry did admit that competing in the Champions' League was crucial. "Fourth is essential, as we have said all along. For all sorts of reasons we really do need to clinch that," he said. "There's a huge financial gulf between the Champions' League and the Uefa Cup.

"We want to be challenging for honours, clearly, and I think we all feel as disappointed and as frustrated as the fans. You can never guarantee that you are going to win the League but we should be challenging. We really should be a title contender.

"We all felt confident this year that with last summer's signings that we'd made improvements and we would be a strong contender. Clearly there is a whole series of different factors which I won't go into as to why that hasn't happened.

"The league table doesn't lie at the end of the day and the reality is we will have fallen short.

"There's no way that fourth should be a long-term acceptable target. That's partly why we have our financial advisors on board to re-look at our strategy."

Steven Gerrard has insisted he can drive Liverpool on and clinch a Champions' League place. The England midfielder knows the team have to bounce back against Fulham at home on Saturday after successive defeats by Arsenal and Charlton.

"I know we wouldn't have a medal to show for it, but it would be fantastic to finish fourth," Gerrard said. "It's the be all and end all as far as I'm concerned. Everyone wants it at the club, from the chairman downwards, because everyone knows how exciting it is to be in."

Houllier emphasised the need to get that Champions' League place. "People should not under-estimate the importance of fourth place and the reward it can bring," he said. In view of the season we have had, and the problems we have encountered, I would consider it a good achievement."

Meanwhile, Parry remains confident that Michael Owen will sign a new deal - and that Djibril Cissé will arrive at Anfield.

On Owen, he said: "We have always been hopeful. As ever, we are not going to go into details about the discussions. That's totally counter-productive. Yes, we do remain hopeful."

On Cissé, he said: "We remain very hopeful that he will be arriving on schedule."

Meanwhile Houllier is facing a goalkeeper shortage against Fulham. Patrice Luzi suffered a hand injury playing for the reserves and is doubtful for his role as back-up to Jerzy Dudek. With Chris Kirkland still out, 18-year-old Paul Harrison might be drafted in, even though his contract is not being renewed at the end of the season.