But long before the possibility of silverware materialised, the Reds embarked on the new campaign with another primary objective: Champions League qualification.
Gerard Houllier’s side had missed out on a return to Europe’s elite club competition the previous year by failing to win any of their last five league games, a dip in form that saw them finish two points behind third-placed Leeds United.
No such slip-up could be allowed to happen again as Houllier targeted an average of two points per match for his side to secure a Champions League ticket and take a significant step in their development.