AGENCIES

Liverpool deserved more from their losing Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday after dominating the match but they will be back to challenge again for Europe’s elite club trophy, coach Juergen Klopp said.

“These boys played an outstanding season and the two competitions we couldn’t win we didn’t win for the smallest possible margin.”

Liverpool missed out on the Premier League after finishing a point behind champions Manchester City.

“The boys will realise how special it was what they did (this season). It’s obviously a different kind of success, not the success you want to have, but I have the strong feeling we come again.

“The boys are really competitive, we have an outstanding group together, we will again have an outstanding group together and then we go again.

“Obviously we have to try a bit more often than others, but no problem. Where is it next year? Istanbul. Book the hotel!”

Disappointed Liverpool supporters drowned their sorrows in a pub near the club’s Anfield home after Real Madrid pipped them to the Champions League title on Saturday -- but after winning two trophies this season, they were confident even more success lies ahead next season.

But fans watching the final on television at the Arkles pub next to Liverpool’s home ground were also confident the team would bounce back under manager Jurgen Klopp. “My Dad’s been watching the football for 80-odd years. We always keep on dreaming and we always keep on believing,” one supporter told AFP.

“We’re disappointed now but we’ll get over it, and we’ll go again next season, and with Jurgen Klopp in charge anything is possible and that’s all I’ve got to say.”

We had more shots on target but the most decisive stat is on Madrid’s side. They scored a goal and we didn’t. That’s the easiest explanation in the world of football. Hard and harsh. When the goalkeeper (Thibaut Courtois) is man of the match then something has gone wrong for the other team. We could have played better football and they could have but they didn’t. The stats are 50-50 but, apart from the goal, they did not have a shot on target.

Juergen Klopp