‘We will take what we get’ – Jurgen Klopp on Europa League consolation prize for Liverpool amid top-four failings

• Reds sit seventh in the table
• Set to miss out on top-four finish
• Have six games left to take in

WHAT HAPPENED? There is still a chance that the Reds could force their way into the Premier League’s top four, but they sit seventh in the table with six games left to play. They are seven points adrift of Manchester United in fourth, with the Red Devils still boasting a game in hand. Liverpool have grown accustomed to competing on the grandest continental stage in recent times, but Klopp accepts that they may have to make do with a consolation prize in 2023-24.

🏆 TOP STORY: Angry Tuchel snaps training pole in half

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Would Ten Hag have led Spurs to top four?

🚨 MUST READ: De Bruyne is the greatest PL midfielder ever

WHAT THEY SAID: Asked if the Reds would be happy with Thursday night action in the Europa League next season, Klopp told reporters: “We will take what we get. We didn't start the season saying it will be fantastic but the season taught us a few things. We want to create a basis to qualify for the best possible scenario. Squeeze everything out.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Liverpool will be back in action on Sunday when playing host to Tottenham - a side they can clamber above with victory at Anfield. Klopp expects to be at almost full strength for that contest, with a positive fitness update being delivered. The German tactician added: “People will be back. I guess Naby [Keita] will train today. I didn't get the medical report yet. Ox [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] isn't in training. Diogo Jota got a bad knock in his back but should be okay.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT? Liverpool have rediscovered their spark of late, claiming three successive Premier League wins and going five games unbeaten, but they are still counting the cost of a slow start that saw them stumble out of the blocks in 2022-23.