Champions League return a must for Liverpool

written by Dave Usher for ESPN

Between 2005-09 Liverpool FC were arguably the most consistent team in the Champions League. In that five year period under Rafa Benitez, the Reds reached two finals; winning one they should have lost and losing one they should have won. In addition to those finals, there was also a narrow semifinal defeat to Chelsea, while the following year saw a loss to the same opposition at the quarterfinal stage. The lone 'failure' was a loss to Benfica in the 'Last 16' stage in 2006.

For that five year period, Liverpool were genuinely big time again. Maybe not top dogs in their own country, but around Europe the Reds' reputation was sky high and attracting players was relatively easy for the most part. When you combined the name and rich tradition of 'Liverpool FC' with 'Champions League Football' and those incredible European nights at Anfield, there were very few players who didn't fancy experiencing a bit of that.

Sadly, things have changed now. The name and rich tradition is still there but Champions League football is no longer on offer and it's beginning to have an impact when it comes to attracting -- and indeed keeping -- players.

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