JOSE ENRIQUE knows there will be changes at Liverpool this summer but he's desperately hoping they don't involve him.

The Reds left-back has received no assurances about his ongoing place in Brendan Rodgers' plans as the manager seeks to build a squad capable of challenging for a Champions League spot.

However, Enrique has his fingers crossed that his resurgence in the second half of the campaign was sufficient to extend his Anfield career into a third year.

The Spaniard believes the Reds are well placed to push on under Rodgers' guidance next season and he wants to be a part of that future.

“I haven't spoken with the manager about next season but I want to stay,” he said.

“I still have to improve some things but I think I'm getting better every season. As you get older you know more.

“This type of football the manager wants has really helped me as it's the type of football I love to play.

“I am happy at this incredible club and in this city. The support we get from the fans is amazing and also from people inside the club who do so much for us.

“I still have three years on my contract and hopefully I can stay at this club for many years.”

There was a reminder of that support with the rapturous ovation Enrique received after walking into a packed hall at Anfield's Pinehurst Primary School.

The 27-year-old was there to hand over kit and training equipment under the Premier League Players’ Kit Scheme.

He said: “There was more pressure than when I play at Anfield!

“The kids were so happy and it was an amazing reception. It makes you realise how big Liverpool Football Club is. It's always great to play for these fans.”

Yet there was a time earlier in the season when Enrique appeared destined for the Anfield exit door.

Having finished the previous campaign poorly, he struggled to establish himself under the new manager. He was in and out of the team with Rodgers publicly questioning his hunger and desire.

But Enrique responded to the challenge in style as he finally recaptured the form he had initially shown following his £6million move from Newcastle in the summer of 2011. He ended up making 31 starts and four substitute appearances under Rodgers and claimed his first Premier League goals against Wigan and Swansea.

“I don't look upon it as proving anyone wrong,” he said.

“I've just done what I love to do. I always try to do my best for the team.

“I'm 27 and I've experienced many things in football. When you are doing well, everyone loves you and makes good comments. When you are not in good form, they kill you and say you will have to leave.

“It's fine. That's normal but I was never worried about that. I knew I could do well.

“For six months when I first signed for Liverpool I was playing really well.

“At the start of this season I was playing with a knee problem and it was difficult. It hurt me and we didn't have the solution for a long time. That meant I couldn't play like I knew I could.

“Once that was sorted out I was able to contribute for the team.”

Enrique says no-one in the dressing room was satisfied with Liverpool's seventh placed finish but he believes their form since the turn of the year proves that Rodgers' methods are starting to reap rewards.

Ultimately, the Reds were left to rue their slow start to the campaign when a squad short on firepower was trying to adapt to a new style of play.

“In terms of where we are in the league, it has not been a great season for us,” he said. “Liverpool cannot be there – they have to be much higher for sure.

“You can see there are 12 points difference between us and the top four, but in terms of being a football team we have moved forward.

“We had some problems earlier in the season when we lost many points and now we regret that. We wanted to do well from the start but it was a different type of football with a new manager and a new type of training.

“I was one of those players who had played this style before when I was in Spain but a lot of players were not used to it.

“Brendan wants us to play good football and I think every player is really happy with this way of working. Of course it takes time but since January we have done really well.

“Come next season we will be more used to this style and the system and we'll work better together.”

Next season will also bring higher expectations as Liverpool target a return to the Champions League.

Four of the six clubs who finished above the Reds – Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton – will have new managers at the helm. Enrique is hoping Rodgers' side can take advantage of instability elsewhere.

“Of course Alex Ferguson will be a big miss for United as he's one of the best managers in the history of football,” he said.

“Now they will have to start something without him which will be hard. I really like David Moyes as I think he's a really good manager. He did very well at Everton for many years.

“But hopefully he does badly at United as they are one of the teams we want to be fighting with next season.

“Sometimes a new manager coming into a club can have an impact straight away. It depends on the club, the players already there and the new players they sign. It took time with Brendan because it was a different style of play.

“The top four has to be our target next season. It will be difficult as even with new managers the top clubs will spend a lot this summer to strengthen.

“But to be honest I don't think we have to worry about the rest, we just have to worry about ourselves.

“The reason we weren't in the top four this season isn't because of any other team, it's because of our own mistakes.

“I think this is the best league in the world with so many teams fighting for those top places. Next season we hope we will be there."