Gerard Houllier is demanding that his players improve on their final Premiership position over the last couple of seasons.
Out of the title race, the Liverpool boss wants an improvement on last year's final resting place of third.
"I have always said the most important thing is that we keep progressing. We can justify that by where we finish at the end of the season," said the boss.
"We were fourth two seasons ago and third last season which represents an improvement.
"Second place would be important as we want instant qualification for the Champions League."
