Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is already making plans for next season's Premiership title challenge - which is likely to mean a clear-out of players immediately after Wednesday's Champions League final.

Benitez famously told a number of his squad the day after their dramatic 2005 victory over AC Milan in Istanbul that they were surplus to requirements.

And he is set to do the same once the re-match against Milan in Athens is over, whether his side win a sixth European Cup or not.

"We know we can improve and we will do by bringing in new players with character, quality and experience. We must keep going forward," said the Spaniard.

"I feel we are going in the right direction but this final is just a stopping point on the way to where we want to be.

"A second Champions League final in three seasons shows what can be done but we want to achieve even more.

"This is going to be an important summer because we want to maintain our progress and keep going forward next season.

"Another European Cup would be very welcome but the aim is not just to win this trophy, it is to be stronger all round, so we can make a better challenge for the Premiership next season."

Benitez will be handed a huge summer transfer fund by American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks and a number of top European stars are on the wanted list.

The former Valencia coach has had great success in cup competitions since his arrival at Anfield in 2004 but he knows he must make a serious bid for the Premiership after finishing third this season, 21 points behind champions Manchester United.

"I am happy with my players but we need to improve to challenge in the Premiership," he added.

"We want to achieve even more. It is important not to think that by getting to the final we have done everything, because we have the potential to be one of the biggest clubs in Europe in every way.

"We are already one of the most famous names in football, but we have the chance to take advantage of our position - it will be an important summer.

"The new owners have already seen what is possible here. Every time we have spoken, it has been positive, and we will talk again after the final."  PA