Jurgen Klopp makes honest admission after emotional Roberto Firmino farewell
Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League all but ended with a draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Reds came into the game on the back of seven straight wins in the league, but needed a late Roberto Firmino goal to earn a point against Unai Emery’s side. The dropped points means that both Newcastle and Manchester United only need to take a point from their final two games to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
There was disappointment at Anfield on Saturday, but also emotion, with Liverpool saying goodbye to Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. It was a dramatic day in many ways – and here are the headlines from Mirror Football.
Klopp’s admission
Klopp was not allowed on the touchline, due to the two-game ban he is serving, so he had to make do with a seat in the stands at Anfield.
He still carried out his usual media duties after the result and he was honest in his assessment of Liverpool’s season.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
"We will make it [the Europa League] our competition,” he said. “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. For so long we couldn't even hear the sound of the Champions League, that's how far away we were. The Europe League us absolutely fine. Let's see what we can do."
Read more here.
Firmino’s farewell
Roberto Firmino was in tears after the final whistle (PA)Firmino came off the bench to make a big impact against Villa by scoring the equaliser in the 90th minute from Mohamed Salah’s cross.
The Brazilian was given a huge ovation from the Anfield faithful, who also made banners to celebrate his legacy at the club.
After the final whistle he was given a guard of honour and looked very emotional as he made his way off the pitch. The 31-year-old striker is leaving Liverpool at the end of June, ending an eight-year stint at the club.
Read more here.
Gakpo shows off injury
Cody Gakpo caught a boot in the chest from Villa's Tyrone MingsIt was a difficult afternoon for Cody Gakpo who had a goal ruled out and copped a nasty injury from Tyrone Mings.
The Aston Villa centre-back caught Gakpo in the chest with a high boot, which only resulted in a yellow card.
Gakpo was left with red scrape marks down his front, while Mings was allowed to carry on and finish the game, with VAR deciding not to question the referee’s original decision.
Liverpool transfer window winners & losers as £37m spent on Klopp's "great day"
Read more here.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
