Virgil van Dijk doesn't believe Liverpool's expected absence from next season's Champions League will hamper what Jurgen Klopp is able to do in the summer transfer window.
And the Reds defender admits he is excited for the next chapter of his time at Anfield as a critical summer of recruitment draws nearer for Klopp and departing sporting director Julian Ward.
Liverpool will say goodbye to Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo at the end of the season with the club working on bolstering their midfield ranks in time for next season.
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Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister remains high on the list of priorities, while Chelsea's Mason Mount and Bayern Munich's Dutch international Ryan Gravenberch are also under consideration as Liverpool look to rebuild their engine room department.
Saturday's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, however, means Newcastle and Manchester United both need just one point from their final two games to ensure their places in the Champions League next season at the expense of Klopp's Reds, who are now almost certain to finish no higher than fifth after a difficult campaign.
Van Dijk, though, says he is looking forward to what comes next as Liverpool look to bounce back once their campaign has concluded away at Southampton next week.
"I'm very excited for next season," Van Dijk said. "I think that feeling came a couple of months ago when we turned the page. Obviously there's still a lot to work on but the good thing in this case is that we have the whole pre-season to work on this and that's definitely the plan.
"The noises I'm hearing, it's going to be a very intense pre-season with a lot of physical work but also a lot of tactical work trying to get ready for a tough season. That's very exciting. Players are leaving, hopefully players come in and will be ready for the start of pre-season.
"I think everyone that can come in and improve all of us, that will help the football club and push us all. It's always good. That will be the focus next season, to make sure that everyone's ready to contribute, it doesn't matter how old you are, you have to perform and do it together.
"Will no Champions League make it harder to recruit? No. Pre-season will be massive. Everybody knows we've been going through a little bit of a transition and, if I'm a player on the rise and I have options to go to the next step and Liverpool is knocking on my door, then I would be very, very interested. I don't think it's going to change much but, if someone wants to play in the Champions League no matter what, then that's their ambition.
"Obviously, the chances to reach Champions League football were quite slim but now it makes it more difficult. That's the situation. You play against a good side, they have been playing - especially since Unai Emery came in - a very good season. So we knew it was going to be tough but a frustrating afternoon."
Liverpool were forced to wait until the 89th minute to force an equaliser through Firmino after Jacob Ramsey had given the visitors a first-half lead and the hosts saw a goal controversially chalked off for Van Dijk being ruled as offside after Cody Gakpo had netted.
Referee John Brooks consulted the pitch-side monitor and decided that Ezri Konas's touch was not deliberate during the phase of play to rule Van Dijk as offside before Gakpo had finished off the chance.
Van Dijk added: "I didn't understand what was going on. I asked Michael Oliver on the side and apparently it was a question if the Villa player deliberately headed it back and I have no idea if he did, yes or no. I've no idea.
"I think it would be good if next season we can hear what they discuss, everyone around it, and be transparent. For them to explain with you guys, coming here, that's what happened in Holland, why not over here?"
With Firmino now set to depart after eight decorated years, Van Dijk tipped his Netherlands colleague Gakpo to thrive in the 'false 9' position that the Brazilian played with distinction during his time on Merseyside.
"It's not only Bobby, I'll miss each and every one of them," Van Dijk said. "They've played their part, they have been successful, everyone is contributing in their own way, not just Bobby. Bobby has been a very big part of the goals and the assists, together with Sadio (Mane) and Mo (Salah), and that creates the headlines.
"But all the other stuff that the other three have been doing as well shouldn't go unnoticed and that's why they're very respected within the group and also Liverpool fans.
"I think it's a very, very difficult role to play and I think Cody's doing exceptional. He's still learning, still adapting. In my opinion, Bobby has been one of the best in this role.
"Cody, it's his first six months and he's already doing so well, so that's a positive sign and he has to keep going, keep both feet on the ground, and listen to me!"
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