Liverpool to make Europa League their competition, manager Klopp says

CGTN
21 May 2023, 14:33 GMT+10

Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, waves to home fans after the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, England, May 20, 2023. /CFP

Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, said after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa that they will enjoy competing in the UEFA Europa League next season.

The 1-1 draw at Anfield was Liverpool's 37th Premier League game this season. Following the disappointing result, "The Reds" are three points behind Manchester United and rank fifth on the standings table. They only have one more game to go but Man United have two to play, meaning that all the "Red Devils" need is a draw to clinch qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Man United will play Chelsea and Fulham in their final two games, both at home. It shouldn't be a daunting task to avoid two straight losses. Third-ranking Newcastle United share the same points with Man United, with also two more games to go, against Leicester City and Chelsea respectively. They are seven goal differences ahead of Liverpool.

"We will make it [the Europa League] our competition," Klopp told BBC Sports. "I am not that spoilt. That we are already qualified for the Europa League is incredible with all these teams around us. That's really difficult and we did it, that is good."

Roberto Firmino (C) of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal in the Premier League game against Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, England, May 20, 2023. /CFP

Liverpool haven't missed the Champions League since the 2017-18 season. They were the runner-up twice and won the title in 2019 in these years. However, they were knocked out by Real Madrid in the Round of 16 this season after losing 5-2 at home and 1-0 on the road.

The Reds struggled for months in the Premier League this season as well. They were not even in the European competitions zone in the middle of the campaign. In fact, the club is worthy of praise for managing to come back to top six in the league.

"We were too long not good enough ourselves," Klopp said. "And I think we made it pretty exciting. I didn't think that was possible seven weeks ago. The boys did really well in that period."

"For so long we couldn't even hear the sound of the Champions League, that's how far away we were. The Europe League is absolutely fine. Let's see what we can do," he added.

Source: CGTN

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