Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool's players are refusing to contemplate a Premier League-Champions League double, as they know one stumble could derail that dream.
It was impossible for the Netherlands international to disagree with the suggestion that Jurgen Klopp's side could win both competitions, but he stressed that lifting trophies could not be further from their minds at present.
Liverpool lead the Premier League by two points from Manchester City, who have a match in hand, and host Porto at Anfield on Tuesday (kick-off 8pm) in the first leg of a favourable Champions League quarter-final draw.
"We are still in the race, so it's possible. But I think it's still a bit too far to think about it," said Van Dijk, when asked about any potential double.
Sadio Mane scores during Liverpool's 5-0 win over Porto last season
"We have to take it game by game. We know in the Premier League any points dropped or slip-up can end our title dreams.
"That's the same for them (City), so the only thing we can do is just keep going. The only thing we can do is focus ahead of us, first Porto and after that Chelsea. It's the only way we should think.
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"I don't think there's any time for slip-ups in the Champions League either. Porto are at this stage as they deserve to be, they are going to be coming for revenge as well.
"We just need to keep doing what we have been doing all season; playing well, defending well and enjoying every bit of it as well."
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are 'on fire' as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title and Champions League success
The way Liverpool's season has panned out, with just one defeat in 33 league matches and a number of late goals keeping their title challenge on track, has led to suggestions they are destined to finally end their long wait for a domestic title.
Victory at Southampton - secured with two goals in the last 10 minutes - coupled with Arsenal's defeat at Everton - ensured Klopp's side are already guaranteed a return to the Champions League.
Porto have failed to win any of their last 12 away knockout games in the Champions League - losing eight - since a 1-0 victory at Deportivo La Coruna back in May 2004.
Mohamed Salah in the home tie with Porto in last season's Champions League
Indeed, the Portuguese side went on to win the trophy during that campaign under manager Jose Mourinho.
But Van Dijk rejected suggestions that should ease the pressure in Europe.
"We should play with freedom anyway, also in the Premier League, because otherwise we can't show our qualities properly," he added.
"But it's game by game. Tomorrow will be a big game because hopefully we set a base to take to Porto, we know how tough it can be over there."
Highlights from Liverpool's 3-1 win at Southampton in the Premier League
Team news
Liverpool will be without suspended left-back Andy Robertson against Porto, who were beaten 5-0 at home when the two teams met in the last 16 last season
Midfielder James Milner is expected to deputise as although Alberto Moreno is Klopp's other option, the Spaniard has not featured since early January.
Adam Lallana is a doubt with a minor muscle injury which forced him to miss Friday's win at Southampton.
Alex Telles, right, could miss the first leg at Anfield on Tuesday
Porto have problems of their own, with injuries and suspensions leaving them with only 16 available outfield players.
Former Real Madrid defender Pepe is suspended, while captain Hector Herrera was booked against Roma meaning he too is banned for the first leg.
Left-back Alex Telles faces a fitness test after complaining about a bursitis in his right hip.
Liverpool v Porto is part of Tuesday's Super 6 game. Head here to chose your scores for the chance to win £250k!
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Charlie's prediction
Liverpool are doing the business collectively. Everyone is saying this is a cracking draw for them. At Anfield, they are creating a big noise at the moment and are getting results. I think this is another one of those nights and the Anfield crowd will spur them on.
Charlie Nicholas says the return to form of Roberto Firmino has aided Salah
Mohamed Salah got a much-needed goal on Friday, but he has not been playing that well. Any player in any position can be out of form and he started to rush things. He never went away Salah, he just had not been scoring. Roberto Firmino is returning to form too.
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It will not be as easy as some people will think. I think a 2-0 result is a comfortable first-leg scoreline and will put them through in the end.
Charlie predicts: 2-0 ()
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