Jamie Carragher believes this season will be considered good for Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp ensures the Reds make next year’s Champions League.
The pundit revealed on Sky Sports’ The Debate that even if the Reds don’t win a trophy this season, it would still be an achievement for Klopp just to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
“If he (Klopp) gets Champions League football this season I think it’s a very good season for Liverpool,” stated Carragher.
“You can talk about trophies and winning the Premier League, but Liverpool have got to get back to being a Champions League club.
“Liverpool have been in the Champions League twice in 10 years, and the only reason they got back in it was because they didn’t have European football that season.
“So if Klopp can get in it again this season, on the back of having had European football and how competitive the Premier League is now, that’s an achievement.”
Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League ahead of fifth placed Tottenham on Sunday, in a game where defeat could see the Reds move out of the Champions League places.
Carragher did confess that Klopp faces a tough task getting Liverpool a place in the Champions League next season, as rival managers Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger and Mauricio Pochettino all have more Premier League experience than him.
The pundit went on to say that Champions League football along with a few trophies will keep Reds fans happy for the next few years, but if the German manager isn’t any closer to winning the Champions League or the Premier League title in five years time, then that will be a problem.
OPINION
Carragher is right to suggest earning Champions League football for next season is enough for Liverpool’s season to be considered good. While fans may be dreaming of trophies and still moaning about their FA Cup exit, that will all be forgotten with a top four finish. Reds supporters went so long without Champions League football, they will just appreciate being in the competition. That situation will change as years go on, but for now they’re aware of the honour it is just to make the tournament. Arsenal who missed out on this year’s competition after being in the tournament consistently, would no doubt snap your arm off to be back in the Champions League, after years of taking it for granted.