Arsene Wenger has declared that Liverpool are "lucky" to be in the Champions League at all this season as he cast doubts on their claims to be allowed to defend the title if they beat AC Milan.
UEFA look set to dash Liverpool's hopes of being granted a special place as winners if they finish outside the top four in the Premiership.
"Normally they should not have played in this cup. They are already lucky to be in it because of the advantage this country has in having four qualifying places," said Wenger. "Most countries have only three places, so they already had an advantage in qualifying last season after finishing fourth."
Wenger insists the Football Association's professional game board were right to back Everton's claims for Champions League entry next season if they finish ahead of Liverpool in fourth place.
"I feel the rules were clear at the beginning of the season so it was very difficult to change. You cannot knock Everton out of it," he argued.
"If UEFA are happy to give a fifth place to England, I'm happy to support it, but I don't know how they can change it.
"You could argue that four places in the Champions League is already quite a big share - and that if you are good enough to win the Champions League, you should be in the top four of your country.
"Normally I'd agree with the premise that if you win the cup you should be allowed to defend it but changing the rules for next season, so the winners qualify, would perhaps be the best solution."
He added: "If you call it the Champions League, basically you should only have the league champions there."