Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has revealed The Reds gambled by budgeting for UEFA Champions League qualification - even before edging out Maccabi Haifa.
The Reds progressed past Maccabi in Tuesday's third qualifying round tie, but not before a nervy ending to the second leg in Kiev - where a goal from the Israelis would have seen the tie go into extra time.
Parry confirmed that Rafa Benitez's summer spending had been financed on the assumption the club would progress into the tournament's group stage.
Benitez lavished over £20 million on landing notable signings Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Jermaine Pennant, but Parry is of the opinion The Reds had to speculate to accumulate.
"It was clearly very important we got through. It's vital to be in the group stages," said Parry.
"There's much relief all round. It's not just about these two games, we earned it through the league last season.
"We seem to make a habit of doing it the hard way in the final qualifier. The last couple of seasons have been slightly nervy, but now we can look forward to the draw.
"We have to budget for getting through to the group stages, otherwise we wouldn't be able to afford to do what we do.
"If you budget for failure, you achieve it, so we budget for success."
Defender Sami Hyypia echoed Parry's relief at securing The Reds' involvement in Europe's premier club competition.
"Getting to the group stages is a relief and we know we are always under pressure and expected to go through to this stage every season," said Hyypia.
"We are happy we have qualified, it is the biggest club competition in the world and we must be in it every year, it is as simple as that."
The giant Finn also had words of praise for Daniel Agger, whom he partnered in central defence in Kiev.
Agger, who was signed by Benitez in last January's transfer window, has been slow to make an impact on Merseyside, but Hyypia sees a bright future ahead for the Dane.
"I think he has a big future in the game and he will be a major player for Liverpool in the Champions League for many seasons ahead," he added.
"He is working hard and learning every day and he can handle the big games, as we have seen these past couple of weeks."
From SSN.
I find this really worrying for a couple of reasons. I just remember what happened to Leeds a couple of years ago and it scares the sh*t out of me that we are doing the same thing. Surley we haven't spent all the money we gained over the last few seasons. It also worries me that we still haven't found investment to secure the future of the club. I suppose this sort of policy will become the norm if we don't get investment soon and the risk will become greater and greater.