West Bromwich, United Kingdom--Brendan Rodgers conceded Liverpool will be hard-pressed to qualify for the Champions League after a 0-0 draw at West Brom dealt a major blow to their bid for a top-four finish.
Rodgers' fifth-placed side drew a blank at the Hawthorns and the Reds now sit seven points behind fourth placed Manchester United, who can widen the gap further with a win at Everton on Sunday.
With speculation linking Liverpool with a move for PSV Eindhoven's talented young striker Memphis Depay, Rodgers' glaring need to bolster Liverpool's firepower was underlined as they were frustrated by Tony Pulis' resilient side.
But attracting a player of Depay's quality to Anfield will be much harder for Rodgers without the lure of the Champions League, especially with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain also pursuing him.
"It's going to be very difficult now to make the Champions League," Rodgers said.
"With five games remaining, we certainly need to win four at least. That's what we must aim to do to give ourselves a chance.
"You never know what might happen above us though. What we have to do right now is make sure that we keep the pressure on.
"We have our game in hand this week and the important thing is that we win that one."
AFP
