Mohamed Salah says there are ‘no excuses’ after Liverpool failed to qualify for Champions League for the first time since 2016.
Liverpool’s fate was sealed on Thursday night after Manchester United secured their place in the top four with a 4-1 win over Chelsea, which means they can no longer catch their arch-rivals with just one game of the season remaining.
United will join Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle in the Champions League next season, with the latter securing their spot last Monday night with a goalless draw with Leicester.
It is the first time in seven years that Liverpool will not play in the UCL, a competition they have enjoyed so much success in under Jurgen Klopp, winning in 2019 and reaching the final in 2018 and 2022.
The Reds have simply not been good enough this season and from the first match were facing an uphill battle to qualify, something that was unthinkable this time last year when the club came agonisingly close to winning the quadruple.
Salah, arguably Liverpool’s best player this season with 30 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, issued an apology to fans shortly after the United result was confirmed.
I’’m totally devastated. There’s absolutely no excuse for this,’ the 30-year-old posted on Twitter.
‘We had everything we needed to make it to next year’s Champions League and we failed. We are Liverpool and qualifying to the competition is the bare minimum.
‘I am sorry but it’s too soon for an uplifting or optimistic post. We let you and ourselves down.’
Liverpool will play in the Europa League for the 2023/24 season alongside Brighton who will embark on their very first European adventure following a stunning season under Roberto De Zerbi.
They could also be joined by West Ham who, while 14th in the Premier League, have reached the Europa Conference League final where they’ll place Fiorentina.
MORE : Manchester United seal Champions League spot with thumping win over wasteful Chelsea
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First appear at ‘Devastated’ Mohamed Salah apologises to Liverpool fans after failing to qualify for Champions League
