Rafa seeking end of season high

Rafael Benitez accepts Liverpool have had a poor season regardless of how they finish it - but he wants the cherry of the Europa League trophy.

A goalless draw at home to Fulham last Sunday dropped Liverpool further off the pace in the Barclays Premier League and they trail Tottenham by eight points heading into Monday night's match against West Ham at Anfield.

It is now highly unlikely the Reds will fulfil Benitez's "guarantee" of a fourth-placed finish and, while the Spaniard will not give up hope of a Champions League spot completely, he seemed to hint the Europa League is now his only chance of success this term.

"Everyone knows Liverpool are a top side and one bad season is not going to be changed by winning one or two games at the end," he said.

"Clearly the Europa League will bring some silverware but in terms of the value of the club it is massive so we don't need to think about one or two games.

"A top side like Liverpool is always thinking about winning trophies. It is not the best season but hopefully we can improve until the end."

Liverpool are scheduled to play the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday - the volcanic ash cloud could yet change that - but Benitez will make his sure his side remain professional and focus on Monday's league game.

"As a manager you have to train and prepare the players properly and that is my job now," he said.

"For me it is very clear and very simple: first West Ham and then Atletico Madrid.

The restrictions on flying mean Fernando Torres is unlikely to feature against the Hammers as he is still waiting to travel back to Spain for an assessment on his knee by specialist Dr Ramon Cugat.

Benitez will not consider playing the Spain international until he has had another examination and circumstances have conspired against a swift solution.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.