Qualifying for Champions League more difficult this season, claims Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers

Finishing among the top-four will be a tough ask

Brendan Rodgers talks with Coutinho (GETTY IMAGES)

With Liverpool about to embark on their first Champions League campaign in five years, Brendan Rodgers has warned that qualifying for the competition again next year will be even harder.

Liverpool vs Ludogorets latest score

The Reds pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League last season before eventually finishing second, a position that saw them return to Europe's elite competition for the first time since the 2009/10 season.

They take on Bulgarian champions Ludogorets at Anfield this evening, with glamour ties against Real Madrid to come and FC Basel making up the group.

But with Anfield readying itself to welcome the return of the Champions League, Rodgers believes it will be more of a struggle to qualify for the competition next season.

"The club had a great period for many years in the Champions League and was then out of it, with all the struggles that brings," said Rodgers ahead of tonight's game.

"We are still a work in progress in many aspects of the football team and the club, but it’s very important for us to embrace everything about it and look to ensure we stay in it. I think it’s difficult to get in it and it will be even harder to stay in it. That’s the reality.

"It has brought greater resources to the club and allows us to add depth and strength and build something here, but it doesn’t make it any easier. It’s still going to be remarkably difficult. You’ve got a fight on your hands to be up in it every year but that’s something we are looking forward to doing."

Manchester United were one of the teams to miss out on a top-four finish last season, and after a summer of huge investment at Old Trafford, are aiming to reclaim their place in the Champions League. Tottenham and Everton also have ambitions of a top-four finish.