"We can't escape the fact that, in the league, this season we haven't been good enough," said the Liverpool captain.
"You ask the manager, or me, or indeed any of the players in our dressing room and they will all say exactly the same thing.
"We had bigger ambitions for this season than the Champions League. We always had one eye on Europe because it is so prestigious and a tournament that has always served us well, but we also wanted the league flag flying back at Anfield and felt we were in a good position to have a real go.
"The league is always your bread and butter as a Liverpool player and we're not far away.
"With investment in the summer, and the squad here staying together we can promise to push Chelsea and United all the way next year."