Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists they are in the Europa League to win it and arrive in Linz “to compete, not give chances”.
On Thursday, the Reds face LASK in their return, with their last appearance being the 2016 final defeat against Sevilla in the German’s first season at the club.
Since then, Liverpool have won the Champions League and reached two more finals, lifting the Premier League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
As it stands, the Europa League is the only major trophy Klopp has not won at Anfield in almost eight years and he will be looking to add the missing silverware to his tally.
That means fans hoping to see exciting talent like young Ben Doak, Harvey Elliott and new signing Ryan Gravenberch may have to wait now.
“We are here to compete, not to provide opportunities,” he said. “The first year I thought the Europa League was a bit too much for us until we got to the final. We had to fly to Russia, we played on a frozen pitch in Sion.
“It was a different team. We weren’t ready and somehow we got ahead. I don’t think we were exceptional before the quarter-finals, the semi-finals. – It’s a different time, a different team. We are better prepared.
We enjoyed our stay more because at that time we had no idea what to expect.
“We have to be motivated and excited to play in the Europa League. I didn’t watch the Champions League (this week), I didn’t miss the anthem.”
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Saturday 16 September 2023: Liverpool’s Andy Robertson (L) celebrates with teammate Harvey Elliott after scoring his side’s second goal during the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium.
Liverpool won 3-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
None of the final 2016 squad will remain at Anfield and Joe Gomez, who was 18 at the time but was injured, is the only player to have played for Liverpool in the Europa League.
But despite significant player changes this summer, the core of the winning squad remains together and Klopp’s side are favorites for the competition.
However, captain Virgil van Dijk defied expectations.
“It’s a reflection of the world we live in now, it’s one of extremes,” he said. “We just have to stay calm and composed, there are so many games to play and twists and turns.
“We know it was a good start, but we still have so many things we need to improve. We have to stay calm.
“Everyone else is saying things from the outside world, but we don’t have to worry or think about it.”
Van Dijk has been forced to watch from the sidelines in the last two matches due to suspension, but has been impressed with the way his team-mates have gone about their business.
“We were late today (arriving in Linz) and it wasn’t our fault, we waited around and you can see they are enjoying their time with each other.”
