Toure targets top-four finish

Toure targets top-four finish

Published Jul. 11, 2013 9:16 a.m. ET

Rangers manager Ally McCoist hopes the Scottish Second Division club can embark on a period of stability.

McCoist made his comments following another week of turmoil at Ibrox Park when Malcolm Murray and fellow non-executive director Phil Cartmell were ousted from the board.

Other developments in the boardroom resulted in transport company boss James Easdale's appointment as a non-executive director, beside Walter Smith - who remains at the club.

And McCoist hopes focus will return to matters on the pitch after watching his team beat Elgin 1-0 in their latest friendly match, thanks to a Fraser Aird goal.

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"It's time now for everybody within the club to start singing from the same hymn sheet and move the club forward," McCoist said.

"And I'm very, very hopeful that will be the case. Hopefully in time for the start of the season."

The Ivory Coast international played in the competition with Arsenal and Manchester City, although last season he was left out of the European squad by then manager Roberto Mancini.

Having arrived at Anfield on a free transfer after his contract expired at the Etihad Stadium he is looking to secure a return to Europe's premier club competition.

"Last season I didn't play, I was out of the (Champions League) squad," he said.

"It has been a tough time but this season is going to be a great season for Liverpool.

"To be part of the team who can bring the club back to the Champions League would be amazing. That's what I'm looking for.

"I would like to be remembered as someone who did very well and that is why I am here.

"At the moment Liverpool are not in the top four but they have the history, the quality, the players and the mentality as well.

"This club is a winning club and I want to be part of history here, that's why I came - to try to build the team as far as we can, to be top four or to win a trophy.

"We just want to win trophies and want to play in the Champions League as well.

"There are a lot of good teams out there but with the squad we've got, we have great players and a great mentality here, we can do very well this season."

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has signed Toure to add more experience to his defence, a role Jamie Carragher was asked to perform having been reinstated in the second half of the season prior to his retirement.

"Of course my experience is going to be important. I know Jamie Carragher was a really important player for this football club," Toure added.

"He's retired now and Liverpool had to look for somebody who can replace him. I'm the one and it's a big honour.

"He has been a fantastic player for England and this football club. He was a great leader. What I will try to do is not going to be easy, but I will do my best."

Toure also believes Luis Suarez should reconsider his wish to leave Anfield this summer.

"If he stays here, he can have more chances to win trophies," the Ivorian added.

"This club is definitely prepared - the organisation, the mentality of players and staff.

"This is a top, professional club. It is amazing. He is a great player, a fantastic player. But it is up to the club to decide what they think will be best for everybody."

Fellow new signing Simon Mignolet is also confident the club can make the top four again.

His first task may be to displace Jose Reina as first-choice goalkeeper but he knows the bigger picture is to regain Champions League status.

"For me it's a big step forward. I spoke to the manager and he told me that it's going to be a big step forward," said the former Sunderland goalkeeper.

"There's big ambition around the club. I also noticed that from the conversations I had with the goalkeeping coach and the gaffer.

"I saw that they are very ambitious, want to get forward, winning trophies and getting into the top four."

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