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Liverpool chief Ian Ayre admits it could take a couple more years to get the club back into the Champions League.

Ayre is pleased with the progress Liverpool have made under Brendan Rodgers, particularly over the second half of last season.

The Reds' managing director is adamant Liverpool are heading in the right direction in their goal to become a top-four side again.

However he cautioned Kopites that it may not happen next season - or the one after.

"We made a big change a year ago with the ambition of getting Liverpool back where it should be at the top of football," said Ayre.

"We changed the manager, we changed the style of play and we changed some players. We said we wanted to build something here.

(Image: Julian Hamilton / Daily Mirror)

"Rome was not built in a day. If you could do it in one day, then everybody would do it.

"The expectation is to keep progressing and, of course, our ambition is to play in the Champions League.

"This football club is steeped in the tradition of the European Cup. That's where everyone wants to be from the owners down.

"Our ambition is to get there. Whether we do that in one year, two years or three, we will see. That's where Liverpool Football Club should be."

Ayre claims the challenge for Liverpool this summer is to maintain the momentum by trading well in the transfer market.

"I know from speaking to the fans that I think everyone feels we have made progress this year," he said in the Liverpool Echo.

"The style of football we played and some of the fantastic performances showed people what is possible with a little bit more time and a little bit more investment.

"Certainly in the second half of the season when people had got used to the style, and when we had the players we needed in place, we saw progress on the pitch.

"If we can add quality to the group over the summer and improve on the things, which let us down, then that will stand us in good stead for next season."

The managing director also spoke of progress on the club's Anfield redevelopment, saying progress will be made in the next few months.