‘We deserve a shot at Champions League’
Klopp cannot wait to start again soon after team’s 3-0 win ensures top-four finish
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was as delighted as the club’s successstarved fans after his side’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough secured a top-four finish and a Champions League play-off spot on Sunday.
Brilliant strikes from Georginio Wijnaldum, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana guaranteed a place in next season’s qualification play-off as Klopp’s men overcame some early nerves to show their class on the last day of the season.
Liverpool’s fourth-placed finish is just the second time in eight seasons that they have made it into Europe’s elite competition and the ecstatic reception Klopp’s side received on the final whistle confirmed how much that means to the club’s everfaithful fans.
Klopp — who turns 50 next month — was beaming with satisfaction afterwards and believes Liverpool are in an ideal position to kick on from here.
“Everything is good at this club at the moment,” said Klopp.
“It feels good. We deserve this position. 76 points is an outstanding number.
“We learnt a lot this year about ourselves and we can use that.
“At the end of the season you are usually tired but I could start again tomorrow.
“We are all looking forward to what we can do. We can qualify in August so we are really looking forward to it. I’m very proud of the boys.
“The Champions League is the best tournament in Europe,” said Klopp.
“There is nothing better, maybe in the world. For me, it’s the best competition and Liverpool needs to be there consistently, all the time, and I love the perspective.”