7.5.08  Rafa: We need to sign the right players

Rafa Benitez insists he's at Liverpool for the long haul as he plans to bring new recuits to Anfield this summer.

This season has ended in disappointment following their Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea last week while their failure in domestic competitions have left them without a single trophy.

Boardroom unrest has no doubt unsettled the club this season but Benitez is expecting great things for the next campaign but knows he'll have to prepare wisely.

He said: "The supporters have been fantastic all season for the team, the club and especially for me.

"I will now be planning and preparing for next season. We will go to Switzerland as usual in pre-season to play some friendlies.

"I am really, really pleased to be here. The fans have been fantastic for me and the team.

"During the summer we will try to improve the squad. We are still not taking our chances, so that is something that we will try to improve.

"Sunday was our last home game, so it was important to say 'thank you' to the fans, but the way to do that was with a win. To hear them every week with their fantastic support makes me proud to be here.

"I am pleased with fourth, but we want to be higher. But people must not forget that the top two are the top two in Europe as well and will spend a lot of money in the summer.

"Chelsea and Manchester United are at the top of Europe, so to be in the top four in England is very, very difficult. To be there, or to qualify for the Champions League for four years, is hard to achieve.

"We will always try to be contenders. But talking about it does not change things.

"The key now is to sign the right players, and to improve the squad. I do not really know what I have to spend, but it is not a question of money, it is spending the right money on the right players. You do not always have to spend big money."

Benitez will look to his young reserve side for additions to his senior squad, with full-back Emiliano Insua - who made an impressive first start of the season during Sunday's 1-0 victory over Manchester City - high on the list.

But some stars will clearly go. It was noticeable that Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant and John Arne Riise did not take part in the lap of honour on Sunday.

Benitez said only: "They were not in the squad, so they had freedom to do what they want. Sometimes players who are not in the squad do not come to the ground."