Jurgen Klopp congratulated Manchester City on their Premier League title, and then promised his side would be back.
“We will go again, 100 per cent,” Klopp said, acknowledging his team’s deep disappointment but insisting that they had not passed up their best chance of winning the league.
There were contrasting emotions at Anfield after the 2-0 victory against Wolves that sealed an unprecedented 97-point season, yet was rendered immaterial by City’s 4-1 win over Brighton. “When you really want something, you have to feel the disappointment as well,” Klopp said. “We will go again. But it will take a few hours to get over.”
The achievement of being the Premier League’s greatest ever runners-up was not one Klopp wanted on his CV. The puzzle of how to topple a City side of such relentless, indomitable quality will likely consume him for most of the summer. “As long as City are around, with the quality and financial power they have, no other team will pass them easily,” Klopp admitted. “That’s clear. So we need to be very, very close to perfection to win the Premier League.”
But mixed in with that was Klopp’s genuine sense of pride and achievement at a breakthrough season, and one that may yet end with silverware in the Champions League final. “We have made unbelievably big steps, and I expect more to come,” Klopp said. “This team is not the finished article. We have to build again.
1/41 Premier League title race in pictures
AFP/Getty Images
2/41 Liverpool moments before kicking off their season against West Ham
The Reds thrashed West Ham 4-0 to open their account
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
3/41 Raheem Sterling celebrates after putting Man City ahead at Arsenal on the opening weekend
The Blues would go on to win 2-0 at the Emirates
Getty Images
4/41 Willy Boly handles Wolves in front
Man City would eventually salvage a point through Aymeric Laporte, but it was here they initially fell behind in the title race
Getty Images
5/41 Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring against Spurs at Wembley
Liverpool would run out 2-1 winners to continue their perfect start
Getty Images
6/41 Daniel Sturridge celebrates his last-minute equaliser against Chelsea
The Blues had lead through Eden Hazard, but Jurgen Klopp’s side remained unbeaten, though their winning streak ended at six
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
7/41 Riyad Mahrez misses from the spot in the 86th minute
Liverpool held on to share the points vs Man City, their second successive draw
AFP/Getty Images
8/41 Riyad Mahrez reacts after his crucial miss
The Algerian struggled to justify his £60m price tag from Leicester
Getty Images
9/41 Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring against Spurs
The Algerian’s strike hands the Blues victory at Wembley
Getty Images
10/41 Alexandre Lacazette denies Liverpool
The Arsenal star’s goal ensures the Reds are held and fall behind Man City to begin November
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
11/41 Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring vs Man United
The Blues won the derby 3-1 to maintain their lead at the top of the table
Getty Images
12/41 Divock Origi scores deep into stoppage time to secure victory vs Everton
The Belgian capitalised on Jordan Pickford’s blunder to win the Merseyside derby and importantly stay in touch with City
Getty Images
13/41 David Luiz celebrates scoring against Man City
The Brazilian added a second after N’Golo Kante’s opener to hand City their first defeat of the season and gift Liverpool a one-point advantage
Getty Images
14/41 Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates scoring vs Man United
The Swiss forward’s double secured a 3-1 win against United to stun Jose Mourinho’s side and maintain the Reds’ lead at the top
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
15/41 Andros Townsend celebrates his wonder strike vs Man City
Crystal Palace shocked Pep Guardiola’s side 3-2 at the Etihad
AFP/Getty Images
16/41 Ederson looks on as Ricardo Pereira seals victory for Leicester
Man City’s slump continues with a third loss in four games
Getty Images
17/41 Roberto Firmino equalises against Man City as the contenders clash at the Etihad
The Brazilian’s strike cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s opener
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
18/41 Leroy Sane settles the match with a fine strike
The German pulls City within four points of the Reds
Getty Images
19/41 Ederson picks the ball out of the net after Matt Ritchie converts from the spot
Newcastle stunned City, rallying from 1-0 down to secure victory in a huge blow to their hopes of defending the title, slipping five points behind after 24 games
Getty Images
20/41 Liverpool look on dejected after Harry Maguire equalises for Leicester
The dropped points in the 1-1 draw at Anfield would spark a slump of four draws in six matches
Getty Images
21/41 Aymeric Laporte celebrates breaking the deadlock at Goodison Park
In a match where Evertonians were widely in favour of losing to ensure no help to their rivals in the title race, Gabriel Jesus added a second late on to secure a 2-0 win
AFP/Getty Images
22/41 City hit Chelsea for six
Pep Guardiola’s side run riot against Chelsea, knocking them for six at the Etihad in a statement victory
AFP/Getty Images
23/41 Jurgen Klopp reacts in frustration as Liverpool are held by Everton
The title race swings towards City as Liverpool are held 0-0 at Goodison Park and finally toppled by Pep Guardiola’s side
Action Images via Reuters
24/41 Liverpool pull victory out the bag at the death against Spurs
Toby Alderweireld cannot prevent his own-goal against the Reds in stoppage time to stay within touching distance of City
Getty Images
25/41 Mohamed Salah is mobbed after the late escape against Spurs
Salah’s effort was deflected in off Toby Alderweireld in stoppage time
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
26/41 Mohamed Salah celebrates his late goal against Southampton
After struggling to break down Saints, Salah produced the key moment at St. Mary’s
Getty Images
27/41 Mohamed Salah produces rocket to break deadlock vs Chelsea
The Reds star unleashed a fine strike from distance to send Liverpool on their way to a 2-0 win to keep pace with City
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
28/41 Bernardo Silva settles City nerves at Old Trafford
In what was expected to be their last remaining hurdle, Man City beat rivals United at Old Trafford 2-0, but were forced to wait until the 54th minute before the Portuguese broke the deadlock. Leroy Sane added a second 12 minutes later to confirm their 11th successive victory
Getty Images
29/41 Divock Origi strikes late to maintain Reds’ hopes
The Belgian secures a vital three points in a 3-2 win to keep their title hopes alive, bouncing back after suffering a heavy defeat to Barcelona just days earlier
Getty Images
30/41 Vincent Kompany unleashes rocket at the Etihad
The City captain scored from range with 20 minutes remaining to break Leicester’s stubborn resistance and keep City on track and continue their win streak to 13 matches
Getty Images
31/41 Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead against Wolves
The goal temporarily put the Reds top of the table
Action Images via Reuters
32/41 Glenn Murray heads past Ederson
With City behind, Pep Guardiola’s side had dug themselves a hole
AP
33/41 Sergio Aguero slides home the equaliser
Sergio Aguero responded within 83 seconds, putting City a goal away from being back in control
Getty
34/41 Aymeric Laporte puts the visitors ahead
Laporte’s header gave City the lead
REUTERS
35/41 Riyad Mahrez slams home a third
The Algerian hits a superb third from the edge of the area
AP
36/41 Mane celebrates his second
Mane added a second to make sure Liverpool finish on 97 points
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
37/41 Ilkay Gundogan celebrates his goal
Gundogan added a fourth from a free-kick
Getty
38/41 Jurgen Klopp salutres the Liverpool fans
Klopp applauds the fans at Anfield after falling short
Reuters
39/41 Liverpool appear dejected after falling short
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane react after falling short
Getty Images
40/41 Pep Guardiola reacts to City clinching the title
Guardiola has overseen back-to-back title triumphs
Reuters
41/41 Man City celebrate at the final whistle
City react to clinching the title
PA
1/41 Premier League title race in pictures
AFP/Getty Images
2/41 Liverpool moments before kicking off their season against West Ham
The Reds thrashed West Ham 4-0 to open their account
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
3/41 Raheem Sterling celebrates after putting Man City ahead at Arsenal on the opening weekend
The Blues would go on to win 2-0 at the Emirates
Getty Images
4/41 Willy Boly handles Wolves in front
Man City would eventually salvage a point through Aymeric Laporte, but it was here they initially fell behind in the title race
Getty Images
5/41 Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring against Spurs at Wembley
Liverpool would run out 2-1 winners to continue their perfect start
Getty Images
6/41 Daniel Sturridge celebrates his last-minute equaliser against Chelsea
The Blues had lead through Eden Hazard, but Jurgen Klopp’s side remained unbeaten, though their winning streak ended at six
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
7/41 Riyad Mahrez misses from the spot in the 86th minute
Liverpool held on to share the points vs Man City, their second successive draw
AFP/Getty Images
8/41 Riyad Mahrez reacts after his crucial miss
The Algerian struggled to justify his £60m price tag from Leicester
Getty Images
9/41 Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring against Spurs
The Algerian’s strike hands the Blues victory at Wembley
Getty Images
10/41 Alexandre Lacazette denies Liverpool
The Arsenal star’s goal ensures the Reds are held and fall behind Man City to begin November
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
11/41 Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring vs Man United
The Blues won the derby 3-1 to maintain their lead at the top of the table
Getty Images
12/41 Divock Origi scores deep into stoppage time to secure victory vs Everton
The Belgian capitalised on Jordan Pickford’s blunder to win the Merseyside derby and importantly stay in touch with City
Getty Images
13/41 David Luiz celebrates scoring against Man City
The Brazilian added a second after N’Golo Kante’s opener to hand City their first defeat of the season and gift Liverpool a one-point advantage
Getty Images
14/41 Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates scoring vs Man United
The Swiss forward’s double secured a 3-1 win against United to stun Jose Mourinho’s side and maintain the Reds’ lead at the top
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
15/41 Andros Townsend celebrates his wonder strike vs Man City
Crystal Palace shocked Pep Guardiola’s side 3-2 at the Etihad
AFP/Getty Images
16/41 Ederson looks on as Ricardo Pereira seals victory for Leicester
Man City’s slump continues with a third loss in four games
Getty Images
17/41 Roberto Firmino equalises against Man City as the contenders clash at the Etihad
The Brazilian’s strike cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s opener
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
18/41 Leroy Sane settles the match with a fine strike
The German pulls City within four points of the Reds
Getty Images
19/41 Ederson picks the ball out of the net after Matt Ritchie converts from the spot
Newcastle stunned City, rallying from 1-0 down to secure victory in a huge blow to their hopes of defending the title, slipping five points behind after 24 games
Getty Images
20/41 Liverpool look on dejected after Harry Maguire equalises for Leicester
The dropped points in the 1-1 draw at Anfield would spark a slump of four draws in six matches
Getty Images
21/41 Aymeric Laporte celebrates breaking the deadlock at Goodison Park
In a match where Evertonians were widely in favour of losing to ensure no help to their rivals in the title race, Gabriel Jesus added a second late on to secure a 2-0 win
AFP/Getty Images
22/41 City hit Chelsea for six
Pep Guardiola’s side run riot against Chelsea, knocking them for six at the Etihad in a statement victory
AFP/Getty Images
23/41 Jurgen Klopp reacts in frustration as Liverpool are held by Everton
The title race swings towards City as Liverpool are held 0-0 at Goodison Park and finally toppled by Pep Guardiola’s side
Action Images via Reuters
24/41 Liverpool pull victory out the bag at the death against Spurs
Toby Alderweireld cannot prevent his own-goal against the Reds in stoppage time to stay within touching distance of City
Getty Images
25/41 Mohamed Salah is mobbed after the late escape against Spurs
Salah’s effort was deflected in off Toby Alderweireld in stoppage time
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
26/41 Mohamed Salah celebrates his late goal against Southampton
After struggling to break down Saints, Salah produced the key moment at St. Mary’s
Getty Images
27/41 Mohamed Salah produces rocket to break deadlock vs Chelsea
The Reds star unleashed a fine strike from distance to send Liverpool on their way to a 2-0 win to keep pace with City
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
28/41 Bernardo Silva settles City nerves at Old Trafford
In what was expected to be their last remaining hurdle, Man City beat rivals United at Old Trafford 2-0, but were forced to wait until the 54th minute before the Portuguese broke the deadlock. Leroy Sane added a second 12 minutes later to confirm their 11th successive victory
Getty Images
29/41 Divock Origi strikes late to maintain Reds’ hopes
The Belgian secures a vital three points in a 3-2 win to keep their title hopes alive, bouncing back after suffering a heavy defeat to Barcelona just days earlier
Getty Images
30/41 Vincent Kompany unleashes rocket at the Etihad
The City captain scored from range with 20 minutes remaining to break Leicester’s stubborn resistance and keep City on track and continue their win streak to 13 matches
Getty Images
31/41 Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead against Wolves
The goal temporarily put the Reds top of the table
Action Images via Reuters
32/41 Glenn Murray heads past Ederson
With City behind, Pep Guardiola’s side had dug themselves a hole
AP
33/41 Sergio Aguero slides home the equaliser
Sergio Aguero responded within 83 seconds, putting City a goal away from being back in control
Getty
34/41 Aymeric Laporte puts the visitors ahead
Laporte’s header gave City the lead
REUTERS
35/41 Riyad Mahrez slams home a third
The Algerian hits a superb third from the edge of the area
AP
36/41 Mane celebrates his second
Mane added a second to make sure Liverpool finish on 97 points
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
37/41 Ilkay Gundogan celebrates his goal
Gundogan added a fourth from a free-kick
Getty
38/41 Jurgen Klopp salutres the Liverpool fans
Klopp applauds the fans at Anfield after falling short
Reuters
39/41 Liverpool appear dejected after falling short
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane react after falling short
Getty Images
40/41 Pep Guardiola reacts to City clinching the title
Guardiola has overseen back-to-back title triumphs
Reuters
41/41 Man City celebrate at the final whistle
City react to clinching the title
PA
“Whatever happens in life, if you see it as the only chance you have, I feel sorry for you. The people who will tell us it’s now 30 years [since Liverpool last won the league], they have bigger problems. This is one of the best teams to play for Liverpool, 100 per cent. Ninety-seven points is incredible. And only because City is there, it’s not enough. In any other country, it would easily have been enough. These boys have my maximum respect.”
There were warm words for goalkeeper Alisson, who won the Golden Glove award for most clean-sheets. For full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who broke the Premier League record for assists by defenders. For Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, who both shared the Golden Boot with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, another of Klopp’s former charges at Borussia Dortmund. “Auba scored twice at Burnley?” Klopp asked after being told the news. “Wow. All my players, huh! Do they have to make three golden boots…?”
“If I started really telling you all the positive things I could say about this team,” Klopp continued, “we would sit here until an hour before the Champions League final starts. But it’s not really the moment for that. It’s not a wonderful moment. But we have enough time to see exactly and feel how brilliant the season was. I can read all the stats and the numbers, but if there’s an award for the biggest development jump, our boys would win it.”
Above all, Klopp insisted, all was not lost. Liverpool would come again, and from a position of greater strength than 12 months ago. “This club,” he assured his audience, “is in the best moment for a long, long time. And it doesn’t end because one team has a point more.”
