Cape Town - James
Milner says Liverpool deserve to play Champions League football next
season and feels "sick" for missing a penalty in the 0-0 draw with
Southampton.
With just two games to play, against West Ham and Middlesbrough, the Reds can't afford any more slip ups if they are to finish inside the top four.
They currently occupy third place on 70 points, just a point above Manchester City and five better off that Manchester United - but having played a game more than both sides.
Speaking in the aftermath of Sunday's game, Milner told the press: "How would we feel if we miss out? Sick.
"This is a team and a club that needs to be in the Champions League. We will be in Europe but the Champions League is where everyone wants to play.
"There was a lot riding on the Southampton game and I have to take the responsibility for missing the penalty. Hopefully we will get a bit of luck and finish the job. We have made improvements this year and we know where we need to improve again."
He added: "We have shown on any one day we can beat anyone so if we could get in the Champions League we know we could be a match for anyone. We have got to do it consistently."
Milner acknowledged though that his side could be in a better position this season had they not dropped a number of points against the so-called 'smaller' sides.
He said: "You look at the results all season. We have dropped points where you might not expect us to and there have been some disappointing games.
"We do that job better and we are fighting for the title, never mind fighting to get into the top four.
"That is disappointing and we know it is an area we need to improve."
Liverpool next travel to London Stadium to face West Ham United and will be aiming to maintain their momentum to qualify in the Champions League positions.