Jurgen Klopp confesses it will be "difficult" for Liverpool to pull off big-money transfers this summer, regardless of whether or not they finish in the top four.
The Reds are facing an uphill battle to close a four-point gap on the Champions League spots with just five games remaining in the Premier League season.
Qualifying for Europe's elite club competition traditionally hands teams a substantial financial advantage while also allowing them to attract a higher quality of players.
Klopp acknowledged that as he addressed reporters on Friday, but he insists finishing in the top four will have little bearing on Liverpool's summer transfer business.
"The Champions League is massive, especially financially," said the Reds boss. "It is really important. If we cannot make that, that is not good. Definitely not.
Nonetheless, Klopp added: "This situation was difficult before, it will be difficult after, football is in a difficult situation, so no, I don't think it [finishing in the top four] will change a lot."
Where will Liverpool finish this season? Have your say in the comments.
If they are to have any hope of finishing in the top four, Klopp knows his side need a positive result against arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday evening.
The German urged his players to "give everything" after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Newcastle last weekend, even though they face a United team full of confidence after a 6-2 drubbing of Roma on Thursday.
'Is it the best place to go after Newcastle or seeing them score six last night? I don't know," said Klopp.
"But we just have to be ready for it. It doesn't happen often that you face a team in exactly the right moment. We had a good training week, good intensity and tried to simulate our normal rhythm.
"We don't score often enough but create a decent number, which we have to keep doing. It is not about shouting at them saying "how can you not score", you have to help them."
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
