John W Henry demands Liverpool finish in the top four

John W Henry has thrown down the gauntlet to Kenny Dalglish by insisting it would be a 'major disappointment' if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.Liverpool's principal owner was in Oslo to see Dalglish's side come from behind to secure a 3-3 friendly draw with Valerenga.Henry witnessed Liverpool's latest erratic defensive performance of the summer and they have now conceded a worrying 15 goals in five fixtures. Joining the Euro! Dalglish has been set a target of clinching a Champions League spot That, however, has not stopped Henry from declaring that Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's American backers, expect Dalglish to deliver a top-four finish.'It's too early for us to start talking about winning the league,' said Henry, who has backed Dalglish with ?43million worth of signings this summer.'In my opinion Manchester United (are the team to beat). They have a good squad and look good. 'Our main goal is to qualify for the Champions League. If we don't it would be a major disappointment.' Ball player: Downing made his first Liverpool startJudging from last night's showing that target will be easier said than done. Liverpool had only themselves to blame after conceding twice in the opening 18 minutes.Lars Iver Strand got between Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger to put thehosts in front, and Fegor Ogude's penalty doubled the advantage.Andy Carroll pulled one back before half-time and Agger profited from slack marking in the closing minutes to score twice. Goal trail: Carroll (centre) fires home Liverpool's first Liverpool were denied a win in injury time when Mohammed Fellah crashed in for Valerenga from 25 yards.'We were more pleased with the second-half performance than the first.' 'In the first we gave them too much room to play and wanted too much ourselves. We know we can improve,' said Dalglish. Liverpool paid their respects to the memory of 77 people who were killedin Norway last month by laying 11 red roses in front of the Ullevaal Stadium. Valerenga 3 Liverpool 3: Last gasp strike denies Dalglish's side comeback winCapello fears Gerrard will miss England's 2012 qualifiers with Wilshere also absentAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion

Source: Daily_Mail