After two seasons in the Champions League we are at the top of the slippery slope that Leeds United slid down a couple of seasons ago. We may not have splashed the cash in quite the same extravagant manner that David O'Leary did but relegation, and that is in principle what it is, to the UEFA Cup must be seen as a step backwards for the club.
As the travelling Reds celebrated with the Liverpool players and coaching staff, scarves and flags waving to the echoes of You'll Never Walk Alone, Gerard Houllier was dragged to one side for his views on the game. The comments that followed left a bitter taste in my mouth.
"We will probably get a bit of relief now and there will be less pressure on us in the Premiership as we know we will be in Europe next season."
So, as we celebrate victory, Gerard is already conceding defeat. Winning the Worthington Cup means automatic qualification for the UEFA Cup next season. It seems that a place in the top four and qualification for the Champions League is now just a pipe dream for the Frenchman. Maybe I'm being pessimistic. Maybe I'm reading too much into a quote given on the spur of the moment.
I don't think Liverpool have actually taken a step backwards this season, but that other clubs have learned how to play against our one-dimensional style and progressed beyond us. 'You'll Never Walk Alone' is a touching song, but walking is not good enough if your rivals are running.
Houllier has learned well from Bill Shankly. He has formed a bond with the fans and constantly recognises their importance to the team. Yet his tactics rarely please the Anfield faithful. If, as he says, the pressure is now lifted then let's see some free-flowing football instead of cautious counter-attacking that we have become used to over the last few seasons.
We saw it at Newcastle at the end of last season, and we saw a glimmer in the fightback in Basle. Now let's see it on a more regular basis, for that is the only way we will win games week in week out, as we need to to claim that fourth place spot.