After three wins on the bounce, Liverpool have wrestled back control of some of their European fate for next season - but the Reds still might not find themselves in Europe's elite competition.
Liverpool currently occupy sixth place - a Europa League spot - and sit six points Newcastle United in third and Manchester United sitting in fourth. Both do have games in hand over the Reds, however.
The likelihood of Champions League football being played at Anfield next season does remain slim, but Klopp's side have faced similar challenges and went 10 unbeaten - winning eight and drawing twice to secure third place.
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Klopp's men have finished in the top four in the last six seasons, but that run could be set to end with the emergence of Eddie Howe's side and Erik ten Hag improving results at United. It would be a huge disappointment for many fans watching the Champions League next term and not seeing Liverpool attempt to bring number seven home, but the Reds don't need the elite competition to make nights under the lights special.
The Liverpool boss knows this and can draw from his experiences as to why playing in the Europa League next season isn't a complete disaster. Think about to 2016 and that run to the final. That game against Dortmund. Anfield at its best.
Klopp's side didn't end up lifting the Europa League that year and it happens to be the only trophy to have eluded the German during his time on Merseyside. Liverpool also would be the club with the outright second most wins in the competition if they were to add to their three titles, climbing ahead of Inter Milan. Another point to add is that winning the Europa League guarantees a spot in the Champions League the following season.
Another incentive for Liverpool to take the Europa League seriously next season, if they were to finish fifth or sixth, is that the final is set to be held at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Many Reds have already pointed out what an occasion that could turn out to be: "A day out in Dublin would be great," said one supporter.
The Dublin final is enough for Liverpool to take the competition 'seriously': "Final is in Dublin next year, so yes, I would take it seriously."
Another reason to embrace the Europa League is the likelihood of Klopp using youngsters for the group stages, at least. The likes of Ben Doak, Oakley Cannonier and Melkamu Frauendorf could benefit massively from a taste of first-team football.
It's a chance for the 'kids' according to this fan: "I'd say let the group stage be a chance for the kids and if we get far enough take it seriously."
It's time to 'trust' the youngsters and the Europa League could give them a platform to perform: "We have a lot of youngsters who need a make or break season: trust them."
Liverpool last won the Europa League, or the UEFA Cup as it was known back then, in 2001 and that treble season was 'fantastic' this fan remembers: "If you’re in it, you might as well try to win it. The 2001 treble winning year was fantastic."
Thursday night football may be welcomed by Klopp as it puts an end to Saturday 12.30pm kick-offs in European matchweeks, a regular complaint of the Liverpool boss when they follow midweek action. The Reds have featured six times in the lunchtime game this term and not recorded a single victory - losing three and drawing three.
As of 2021, there is now a third-tier continental competition and Liverpool could find themselves jetting off to all parts of Europe next term if they were to finish seventh in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho took his Roma side to Tirana, the capital of Albania, as they beat Feyenoord 1-0 to become the first winners of the Conference League.
Klopp spoke in April 2022 about not wanting to play in the Conference League because of the adjustments needed to pre-season: "We had moments where we thought, ‘OK, hopefully we don’t have to play Conference League’. That’s how it is because it’s, ‘OK, when does that start?’ and then you have to readjust the pre-season planning and all these kind of things."
This Liverpool fan is not keen on the idea of the Conference League: "As long as Liverpool aren't in the pathetic Conference League. Rather have no Europe than this UEFA joke."
Another Reds supporter would be happy to see his side 'stay away' from the Conference League: "Liverpool should stay away from conference league positions."
Of course, playing in the Champions League is what everyone wants because of its prestige, the memorable nights it brings and the prize money. But playing without any European competition next season might not be such a bad thing for a Liverpool squad that has looked zapped of energy at times this term.
Not having to play midweek could give this Liverpool side a freshness they haven't felt in years and a chance to regroup after an underwhelming season this time around.
That being said, everyone is well aware of Liverpool's love affair with the Champions League and that is something Klopp will be hoping continues into next season.
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