"It's difficult because we have been some distance from those aspirations for a long time," said the Liverpool keeper.
"The priority is to return to the top four and keep improving. It's fundamental the team gets back into Europe, then next year makes the jump to challenge for the title.
"I have always been in the situation of playing in midweek so it's new for me. They say it can be an advantage (not playing in Europe) and I hope we can benefit from not having such a heavy schedule.
"I think the new signings have the advantage of having played many years in this league, that always makes things easier.
"This club has a big history and we have to follow those legends."