Did Hamann: Champions League final defeat could have 'bigger impact' long-term on Liverpool than just losing a game

Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann believes the club's defeat in the Champions League final represents more than just a loss and may prove to be a turning point.

The Reds' hopes of adding a seventh European Cup triumph to their roll of honour was dashed by record champions Real Madrid who won 1-0 in Paris on Saturday night, with the Spanish side's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denying them time and again.

It was a disappointing end to a campaign for Liverpool that had seen the Merseysiders challenge for an unprecedented quadruple until late in the season.

However, before losing the Champions League final, Jurgen Klopp's side also narrowly missed out on Premier League glory to Manchester City, and ultimately have had to settle for wins in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Speaking on RTÉ Sport's live coverage of European club football's showpiece, Hamann said he believed it will be a major challenge for Klopp to lift the current squad.

"I think sometimes you've got to freshen things up because this group of players have been together for a long time and they've done exceptional things," said the former Germany international, who was part of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League-winning team.

Madrid are ahead as Vinicius Jr drifts in behind Trent Alexander Arnold to tap home a superb drilled Valdverde cross @RTE2 @RTEplayer#UCLfinal #RTESoccer