Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo defended his team selection after his side lost 4-1 at Anfield to end their hopes of a top-four finish.
The Italian made eight changes from the side which beat the Reds in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday and it showed as they were torn apart in the first half.
A Michael Essien own goal and efforts from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Agger put the hosts 3-0 up inside half an hour, while Stewart Downing hit the crossbar and also missed a penalty.
Ramires pulled one back just after the break but Jonjo Shelvey restored the three-goal cushion with a long-range effort.
Although Chelsea had an outside chance of overhauling Tottenham and Newcastle prior to kick-off defeat ensures they are destined to finish sixth.
Di Matteo is now pinning his hopes on beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League final a week on Saturday to qualify for Europe's elite club competition.
But he had no regrets about the team he picked at Anfield.
"I thought Liverpool were the better side. They looked inspired and they scored at the right times as well," he said.
"It wasn't the team selection. We have to give credit to them (Liverpool).
"We have played with these players the whole season and they have carried us so far and we still had a chance with two games to qualify for fourth spot."
