Brendan Rodgers believes Borussia Dortmund's success has shown it is possible for Liverpool to take "the hardest step of all" and achieve Champions League qualification without huge investment.
"You can challenge [for the top four] without spending £80m in one summer," Rodgers said. "Look at the example of Borussia Dortmund. A team that won the Champions League and then struggled financially. They went out and rebuilt and it took them four to five years to push on. Then they won the league and their European work suffered. This year you can see they have put their focus on Europe and they have lost their title. That's a team that has been growing over five years.
"Unless you have got the Manchester City or Chelsea money and just bring in £70m-£80m worth in one summer to add to a Champions League-winning group, you need a different way. I think this [Dortmund's] is the best way because you are not just looking after the team but also the club. Of course, supporters will always look at the team but for me it's bigger than that to have success. It's about all aspects of the club, so that when you do arrive you are in a strong position."
