Klopp side Liverpool has salvaged Champions League football from a chaotic season undermined by a succession of severe injuries.
And a catastrophic run of home form after the turn of the year with victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s side has never threatened to retain their Premier League title. And they had felled timidly to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.
But Liverpool had rallied to win their final five Premier League games. Including that remarkable last-gasp header by the keeper Alisson at West Bromwich Albion. To claim a prize that had looked unlikely since the turn of the year.
Liverpool got the result they needed against Palace, with manager Roy Hodgson taking over for the last time.
Sadio Mane headed home in the corner nine minutes before half-time to end the speculation.
The Senegalese striker wrapped up the victory. And he took place in the Champions League with a deflected shot in the 74th minute.
Andros Townsend has given Liverpool, who plays in front of 10,000 returning fans. Panic ahead as he rushes to clarify whether he will shoot.
Before Liverpool take over with Leicester and Chelsea’s results ending in third place. Due to injury problems.
No trophies, but Klopp will be delighted.
Liverpool imagined a season in the Europa League. Or the Confederations Cup or not at all European football. When Joe Willock‘s equalizer in the 95th minute gave Newcastle United a point on April 24.
The Liverpool and Klopp players look nervous as they sit in sixth place. And don’t look like a team that could combine wins.
However, Liverpool and Klopp are brave enough to find their status, with their victory at the end of the season.
This means they will return to the European elite tournament next term despite the difficulties this season.
There was nothing as surprising as this late Alisson title at The Hawthorns.
The goalkeeper rushed to the brink of despair, with Liverpool being held to a 1-1 draw. And their Champions League ambitions ended.
Completing the top four is a success of some sort when given in the event of a disruption. And a dramatic fall of form.
Virgil van Dijk was sidelined this season with a knee injury in September, soon replaced by full-back Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
In contrast, new Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara started with a hamstring injury.
The popularity of captain Jordan Henderson and the £ 45m summer signing Diogo Joya have also long been out.
Throw in the worst home results in Liverpool history, six straight defeats in the league.
And it seems surprising that a season with such poor form could end in a high. And third place before Chelsea and Leicester City’s likes before long.
Liverpool is not yet close to silverware. But the scenes where Mane scored his second goal and where the final whistle.
The silent ceremonies are better pointed to a combination of joy and relief.
Klopp and his players who have done well for a poor career this season get into the Champions League next season.
End of Hodgson’s reign
Roy Hodgson’s Premier League career ended at Anfield. Where he endured temporary and unsuccessful management. After the success of Rafael Benitez in the summer of 2010.
He did not win over Liverpool fans at the time. But he heard warm applause from them on Sunday. When he first appeared before the game on the sidelines.
Palace initially seemed to be able to give Hodgson a winning game and a scapegoat for Liverpool’s Channel League plans.
But when Townsend missed a good start and Mane put Klopp’s side ahead, the traffic flowed to only one side.
Hodgson has done a solid job in the way expected of him. But now, the Palace management must decide on their next move.
They are hunting for a new manager and more players who will end their contracts.
There is no doubt that there will be an ordinary summer thought around Wilfried Zaha.
But it will be a time of change in Selhurst Park whether you stay or move.
