Jurgen Klopp accepted that Liverpool were not qualifying for the Champions League when his side drew against Aston Villa last weekend, which coincided with Manchester United earning a crucial three points against Bournemouth.
Although Erik ten Hag's side were considered a guarantee to secure a top-four finish in January, a few disappointing results gave Liverpool hope of closing the gap and they were able to build momentum.
Prior to last weekend, Liverpool were just a single point behind but they could only draw with Aston Villa at home. ALSO READ: I've played with Ronaldinho...
now I'm helping Man United's future stars United defeated Bournemouth thanks to Casemiro's well-taken goal and Klopp, speaking at his last press conference of the season, said that was the moment that he knew Liverpool had lost the race, despite it not being official at that stage. “It’s a fact we don’t have Champions League, even I knew after [the Aston Villa] game, clear,” Klopp said. “I drew a line underneath it.