The Scott has spent around £100 million on players since replacing the sacked Hodgson in January although £50million was recouped from the sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea. It is in stark contrast to the scenario that greeted Hodgson at the club when he replaced Rafael Benitez - staving off the possibility of going into liquidation. That threat never materialised but Hodgson does believe current owner John W Henry will not be happy with a mid-table slot after the money he has invested. Hodgson said: "The situation now is vastly different to the situation I had but I realised when I went in there that there was going to be a change of ownership and these things can always happen. "The fact is when I went it was a period of transition and the first job for the people that employed me was basically to make certain the club didn't go into liquidation. "That was a possibility - but it was a worse case scenario and it never came close. "But Liverpool now need to be aiming for a top four finish because that's what the investment is for. "I don't think the new owners are investing all this money for them to be a mid-table team. "They are doing it because Liverpool in the past, alongside Manchester United, are one of the two flagships of English football. "The reasons the owners have gone in there is because they believe they can get Liverpool up to that level. "There is no doubt the pressure on Liverpool to finish in the top four is similar to the pressure many of the clubs in the Premier League have to survive." Hodgson has been impressed with Dalglish's signings and knows his defenders will have to be at their best to stifle the threat of Luis Suarez. Although the Uruguayan international striker is a doubt with an ankle injury, Hodgson is aware of Suarez's quality. He said: "They have spent wisely and bought some very good players. If we want to get something from the game, we've got to perform at the highest level. "Suarez is outstandingly good. He is playing very well. He was obviously a magnificent signing for the club. "He has had the best of all possible starts which is important when you come to a big club like Liverpool. "The fans are ready to embrace new players but they want to see them playing well and he has done that. "He has had a magnificent start and we must be aware he is going to be a key figure in their attacking play and we will have to do our best to keep him quiet. It won't be easy because he is a quality player." Hodgson, who masterminded Albion to a 2-1 win over Liverpool in last season's corresponding match, has no regrets about taking the job at Anfield. He said: "It is always good to play Liverpool. I was lucky enough to get the job there. "Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to stay as long as I would have liked, to see the new ownership coming in and maybe having a chance to build a team. "But I have no regrets. It is a magnificent club and I'm pleased for the club and the fans because they are one of the icons of English football. "It is good to see them back closer to where they want to be, maybe not exactly where they want to be because they want to win league titles."
