We’re thrilled at all of this

May 21 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

THE focus is firmly on Athens for the next 72 hours, but come Thursday morning, whatever the outcome in the Olympic Stadium, attention shifts back to the Anfield boardroom.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett have spent the early part of their reign acting as cheerleaders on an epic European campaign.

But as Hicks looks ahead to an historic evening which could see him join the elite group of Liverpool chairmen who have overseen a Champions League win, he recognises the time to make more significant strides is imminent.

“I know we will make changes,” says Hicks.

“Rafa has already announced one signing in Lucas Leiva, who looks really good. I think Rafa will be a very busy man after Wednesday.

“The potential of Liverpool is even greater than I imagined when we bought the club. We knew all about Liverpool’s history and tradition.

“Nowadays, there are probably a lot of fans who get more excited by recent events than those in the past, certainly that’s the case for younger fans.

“The Istanbul victory was so important for the long-term legacy of the club, and if we can win a second so soon that really establishes us and makes Rafa’s job easier to add some players.

“ We’ve already started that process and next year we want to contend for both the Premiership and Champions League. Actually, we want to challenge for all four competitions.

“I know what Rafa tells me and I make judgements on his judgements. He has told me the types of improvement he feels we need to compete week in and week out. That’s the challenge.

“In the Premiership you need depth of players and motivated players. There’s no problem finding the motivation to beat Barcelona or Chelsea. We know we have to have more consistency.

“He has clear views, and it was important to tie down Steven and Jamie.

“There will be others who follow. We’ve made very good progress with that, but nobody wants to take their eye off the ball for the next few days, but those deals will be done.”