Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp accepted that his side have not been good enough to qualify for the Champions League this season. A 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa not only ended a nine-match winning run but also made their outside hopes of making the top-four even more remote. Klopp admitted that it is unlikely that they will be able to qualify for the Champions League, as they would have to win their final match at Southampton and rely on Newcastle or Manchester United not picking up another point from their remaining two games. He stated that this season has been more about qualifying for the Europa League than the Champions League, as they have been “for too long not good enough or ourselves”. The match was an emotional one as Roberto Firmino, who is leaving the club after eight influential years, came off the bench to score at the Kop end in the 89th minute to cancel out Jacob Ramsey’s first-half effort. James Milner and fellow midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are also departing when their contracts end next month, adding to an emotional but frustrating afternoon. Klopp noted that their pressing was not good in the first half, as they were too much in a rush in both departments, with and without the ball. He added that Villa had moments in the game and were a good football team. Villa boss Unai Emery was satisfied with the performance, despite the late disappointment of conceding an equaliser. His side moved above Tottenham and will secure European football with victory over Brighton in their final match next week. He praised his side’s commitment and personality, noting that getting three points would have been fantastic. He acknowledged how difficult it is to play at Anfield, as Liverpool were in their best moment of the season, confident and trying to get into the top four.
