Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool are “okay” with a Europa League spot next season.
Roberto Firmino scored a dramatic late equaliser against Aston Villa in his final appearance for Liverpool, giving Klopp’s side a slim chance of passing Newcastle and Manchester United in the race for the top four.
Still, they must hope that they defeat Southampton on the final day and that the other two clubs do not gain any more points.
Both Manchester United and Newcastle United have a game in hand on Liverpool, but the latter has a much better goal difference.
After putting together a relentless winning streak towards the end of the season, there was renewed optimism that Klopp’s side would be able to break into the top four.
However, Villa’s first-half goal dampened expectations, and while Firmino’s goal keeps Liverpool nominally in the race, Klopp addressed the fact that his team would almost certainly be playing in Europe’s secondary club competition after the game.
“That’s okay,” he said.
“It was not good enough for too long [this year], but we made it pretty exciting.” Seven weeks ago, I didn’t think it was possible.”
