Klopp breaks major Liverpool promise with Champions League exit

Robin Bairner

• 16 Mar 2023 08:42 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday as they suffered a 1-0 loss away from home against Real Madrid.

The Reds were chasing a miracle having lost the first leg 5-2 and were unable to produce it at the Bernabeu.

The tie was a rematch of the 2022 final, which Los Blancos also claimed following a lengthy delay because of security issues outside of the stadium. A single goal by Vini Junior decided that match in Paris in favour of the Spanish side, who claimed a record 14th title that day.

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Following that fixture, Klopp made a major promise to Liverpool supporters that he has now failed to keep.

"I have a strong feeling we will come again. The boys are really competitive and are an outstanding group - they will be that again next season. And we go again. Where's it next season? Istanbul? Book the hotel!" he told BT Sport.

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Liverpool had the opportunity to win four trophies last term but while they won the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, they came up short in the two competitions they really wanted to win, the Premier League and the Champions League.

The Reds appear to be suffering from the mental scars of those experiences, with Klopp’s promise that his side would be back in the final this time around falling significantly short.

Indeed, the Anfield side have also come up terribly short in the Premier League, too. They are presently sixth in the standings and will have to overtake both Tottenham and Newcastle if they are to force their way back into the Champions League next term.

A summer transfer overhaul is likely at Liverpool, with the midfield, in particular, in need of surgery but Klopp retains the faith of the Anfield crowd.