Liverpool may not qualify for the Champions League next season, but the Reds must heed the advice of an Anfield ‘Boot Room’ member and secure European football regardless
‘A banquet without European football is like a banquet without wine,’ says Liverpool Football Club. Former Liverpool manager and Anfield ‘Boot Room’ member Roy Evans said this.
When looking back in the future, the past five years under Jürgen Klopp will most likely be compared to the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s, with the Reds having tasted domestic and European success, as well as becoming world champions in 2019. There is no doubt, however, that this season has been a letdown for the German manager’s men, especially when compared to the high standards they set for themselves in previous seasons.
Having said that, while no more trophies will be added to the Anfield trophy cabinet in the remaining weeks of the season, there is still a lot to play for in the remaining six Premier League games. With both Newcastle United and Manchester United appearing to be edging closer to Champions League qualification for next season, it is clear that a place in the Europa League must now be the goal.
Whether or not Liverpool can still qualify for the Champions League this season, there are a number of practical and emotional reasons why securing European football should be a top priority for the Reds. For starters, the Reds’ squad has been assembled to play up to three times per week, with the obvious benefits of using the Europa League group stage, for example, to test youngsters and give fringe players game time.
Furthermore, the financial benefits of playing in the Europa League should not be overlooked. Although the competition is not as lucrative as the Champions League, there is money to be made by making it all the way through the knockout rounds. Furthermore, if the Reds win the competition next year, it would represent another opportunity to secure a place in Europe’s premier competition.
The romantic aspect of being in Europe, which is so important for supporters, should not be overlooked. A chance to add to the club’s illustrious European history should not be overlooked, with memorable runs in the competition frequently serving as a springboard to greater success later on, as was the case with the Reds’ UEFA Cup wins in 1976 and 2001, as well as the run to the Europa League final in Klopp’s first season.
The good news is that things are looking up in terms of qualification, with an additional place in the Europa League likely to come from an unexpected source at the end of May. Manchester United will play in the Europa League next year after reaching the FA Cup final against cross-town rivals Manchester City. However, if they do qualify for Europe’s elite competition instead, as expected, the place in the Europa League will go to the Premier League team that finishes sixth this season.
Furthermore, if the above scenario plays out, the Europa Conference League spot earned by the Red Devils by winning the Carabao Cup earlier this season will be given to the team currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League. With Liverpool in seventh place in the table, it is more than likely that they will secure a European place for next season — assuming Newcastle United and Manchester United finish the season in the top four.
Given Klopp’s side’s inconsistencies this season, it cannot be assumed that Liverpool will remain in seventh place in the table, with the upcoming game against Tottenham potentially posing a significant challenge. In many ways, the fact that the Merseysiders will play three of their final six games at home will give them a significant advantage in their pursuit of European football.
As Harry Kane stated this week ahead of his team’s trip to Anfield, Liverpool’s home ground is a “very difficult place to go.” “They’re in a similar position of fighting for the spots we’re fighting for, so a lot is riding on it,” the Spurs talisman said of the clash between the Premier League’s fifth and seventh placed sides. It is up to us to recover and show the character we displayed in the second half, as well as to be brave away at Anfield.”
When comparing Liverpool’s home form to their road form, there is no doubt that Anfield has a fear factor for opposing teams. Even with their struggles this season, the Reds would be fourth in the form table if only home results were considered — they would be ninth if only away results were considered.
Even for players of the England captain’s experience and quality, Anfield is an intimidating place to visit, and this ‘X factor’ could give the Reds a significant advantage in the race for Europe. The crowd will undoubtedly be with Klopp’s players in the final four home games of the season, and they must now channel that energy to finish strong.
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