Liverpool are just not good enough to challenge on all fronts, taunts Cole

Rafael Benitez's side face AC Milan in the Champions League Final in Athens tomorrow night with the club hoping to lift the trophy for the sixth time.

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But they finished 21 points behind Premiership champions Manchester United and Chelsea defender Cole insists their squad lacks strength and depth.

Liverpool knocked out Jose Mourinho's team in the last four on penalties at Anfield three weeks ago but Cole claims a contrast in their ambitions elsewhere was a major factor.

He said: "They got to the final on merit because they beat everyone they had to along the way.

But if they had been fighting for the top position in the Premiership, as well as the FA and Carling Cups like we had, I am not sure they could have got to the Champions League Final. Their squad isn't big enough or strong enough to do that."

Liverpool's new American owners have promised Benitez the funds to compete with United and Chelsea next season.

Tom Hicks, who recently completed his joint takeover of the club with George Gillett, said: "I know we will make changes. Rafa will be a very busy man after tomorrow. We've already started the process of adding players to the squad and next year we want to contend for both the Premiership and Champions League. Actually, we want to challenge for all four competitions.

"The Istanbul victory [against Milan in the 2005 Final] 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.

"In the Premiership, you need depth of players and motivated players. There's no problem finding the motivation to beat Barcelona or Chelsea but we know we have to have more consistency."

Cole is not sure he will be able to watch the game on television and admitted it took him and team-mates a while to get over their European exit.

He said: "It was gutting to be so close after all we had done.Watching Milan and Liverpool now fight it out is a kick in the teeth."

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano should be grateful to West Ham for giving him the chance to play in the Final, according to Hammers boss Alan Curbishley.

The Argentina international endured a nightmare at Upton Park following his controversial double transfer with Carlos Tevez last August.

However, Curbishley let Mascherano leave in January and the midfielder has flourished at Anfield. The boss said: "He has gone and grabbed his chance and perhaps he will turn around to me one day and say thanks."