Liverpool warn Houllier

Houllier has been set a Champions League target

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has been warned he must ensure Champions League qualification or face the consequences.

Chairman David Moores delivered an ominous message to Houllier in Liverpool's annual report and accounts.

He said: "I have repeatedly stated the over-riding objective is consistent qualification for the Champions League."

Moores added that this was Liverpool's "minimum acceptable target" this term after failing to qualify last season.

He said: "If this remains the minimum acceptable target, the ambition is, and always has been, to win every competition that we enter."

Moores admitted even the Worthington Cup win against Manchester United last season did not make up for the disappointment of the last day defeat at Chelsea that left Liverpool without Champions League football this term.

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He said: "Last year we finished fifth in the Premiership, and won the Worthington Cup, but failed in our target of qualification for the Champions League.

"By no means a write-off, the season must generally be viewed as disappointing, especially when compared to recent year-on-year progress.

"We must accept that the season-wide performance fell some way short of the high standards we set ourselves, and what our fans have come to expect."

Liverpool's annual general meeting takes place on 5 January, two days after the potentially hazardous FA Cup third round tie at Yeovil.