KLOPP: EURO FATE OUT OF OUR HANDS

LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp has accepted ‘miracles happened’ for his side in the past, but understands their destiny is not in their hands this season when it comes to Champions League qualification. A month ago the club were eighth, ten points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, but six successive wins have propelled them to fifth and only a point behind their rivals, who have a game in hand. It was suggested to Klopp that his squad have performed great comebacks before, not least when overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League they won in 2019. They also came from a seemingly impossible position in the Premier League in 2021 when they made a late run into the top four, registering eight wins and two draws in their final ten matches — which included goalkeeper Alisson scoring a 90th-minute winner at West Bromwich. ‘It is not that we mention it but everyone who was involved in these moments will never forget it in our entire lives,’ said Klopp. ‘That means it is part of us and you are right — we were around when miracles happened, but it was then still in our hands. ‘We had to score against West Brom and we had to win against Barcelona. Now, we have to win, but that does not mean anything changes because the other teams could win all their games. ‘I knew weeks ago it was completely out of sight, but that did not mean we would not try to get closer. That’s the only thing we did, we got closer. ‘Newcastle and United would be happy if we would not be there any more, but still it is more likely they will do it. I respect that. If they finish the season above us, they deserve it.’