Cape Town - James Milner wants any new recruits signed by Liverpool to join the club for the right reasons and not just to play in the Champions League.
The Reds secured fourth place in the Premier League on the final day of the season with their 3-0 defeat of Middlesbrough, pipping Arsenal by one point.
Manager Jurgen Klopp will need to strengthen his side if they are to be able to compete in the elite European competition.
But midfielder Milner, who was used at left back this season, says he doesn't want players disrespecting his club.
He said: "It's disrespectful to the club if you say the only reason you are going to Liverpool is for Champions League.
"With the history, the manager and the players at this club, it's slightly disrespectful if the only reason you come is that.
"Maybe (we are more attractive) but it's one thing saying you're coming to play in the Champions League and another proving you're good enough to play in it. You have to come here and do the business. It's alright saying you should be in the top four.
"But there are a lot of quality teams fighting for it and in and around it. We have managed to achieve that. Personally the biggest thing for us at Manchester City was winning the FA Cup [in 2011]. When we got that first trophy under our belt, winning something, giving you that belief.
"Last year we came close [to a trophy] but couldn't get over the line but playing in those sort of occasions and in those big games is important. We have proved we can beat big teams in big games, definitely, but it's about keeping the consistency against those teams that come here and sit back."
Liverpool last qualified for the Champions League in the 2013–14 Premier League season when they finished second behind Manchester City.