kenny dalglilsh’s magic touch was why i stayed with liverpool fc - dirk kuyt

Jul 15 2011 by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo

DIRK KUYT believes Liverpool’s rejuvenation under Kenny Dalglish has vindicated his decision to stay at the club last year.

But the Dutchman admits that Champions League qualification should be the minimum target in the forthcoming campaign.

Kuyt was close to joining up with former manager Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan but ultimately opted to remain on Merseyside.

And despite the troubles of Roy Hodgson’s doomed reign, Kuyt is confident the change in fortunes and atmosphere during the last six months can help Liverpool challenge for honours in the near future.

“I wanted to stay at Liverpool but I also wanted to challenge for trophies,” said the Dutchman, speaking in Malaysia on the second leg of the club’s Far East tour.

“You want to see the club moving forward and that is exactly what happened after the first half of the season.

“Even to come from a very tough position to finish in sixth position was very promising. But to have the feeling that everyone at the club was working very, very hard to get it back where it belongs (was important).

“But even to finish sixth did not leave us satisfied. We at least have to be challenging for Champions League football and most of the lads have played in the competition and want to get back there.

“I think that has to be our aim, it is difficult because not only do we have the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea but now we have Manchester City and Spurs.

“It will be a hard challenge but the least we have to aim for is Champions League football.”

Kuyt is enjoying a pre-season campaign without the interruption of international football for the first time in five years.

And he added: “It was very good to rest, very good to be with friends and family and just to recover properly.”