Featured Image Credit: Twitter: @BBCMOTD
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool
.jpg)
Joshua Nair
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was asked about Liverpool's participation in the Europa League next season and how that might feel, but he learnt a new word that humoured him.
Liverpool may have narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification this season, but it didn't stop Jurgen Klopp from having a giggle in his last pre-match press conference of the 22/23 season.
Klopp seemed like he was in a good mood as journalists prepared their final questions for the German manager ahead of Liverpool's season closer against a relegated Southampton side.
Advert
A journalist asked: "Is being in the Europa League almost like a booby prize?"
To which Klopp replied: "A what?"
Eventually, someone next to him explained: "A prize that you wouldn't want to win."
Klopp tried to compose himself as the journalist continued his question: "But the actual possibility to go for a European trophy is not something you would ever turn your nose up at?"
Klopp couldn't help but go back to the word saying: "No. What, a booby? (laughing) I needed to come fifth to learn that word."
Klopp seemed to be in good spirits despite Liverpool missing out on top four for the first time in one of his full seasons at the club.
Mohamed Salah posted a message on Twitter expressing his disappointment saying: "I’m totally devastated. There’s absolutely no excuse for this. We had everything we needed to make it to next year’s Champions League and we failed."
Jurgen Klopp reacted to these comments and said: "After the last game when it was clear [Manchester United and Newcastle United] needed a point, I knew they would get it.
“I drew a line. I’m an optimistic person but at that moment I couldn’t see it."
Liverpool have ultimately failed to recover from their shocking start to the season, despite winning seven of their last 10 games, drawing the other three.
The gulf between the side and Manchester United and Newcastle was too big, and for the first time since 2016, Liverpool will not have Champions League football at Anfield, with it being the first time Salah will experience Europa League football with the Reds.