Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool deserved more than they lost in the Champions League final on Saturday after dominating the match, but that they will once again compete for the European elite title.
Real Madrid set a record 14th European Cup with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool after Vinicius Junior scored an hour before the Spanish champions’ only attempt on goal, Reuters reported.
It was Real Madrid’s fourth Champions League title in seven years as it improved on its impressive record in the competition with its eighth victory in the same number of finals.
“We had more shots on goal, but the most decisive stats were in favor of Real Madrid,” Klopp told a news conference. “They scored a goal and we didn’t. That’s the easiest explanation in world football. It’s tough and cruel.
“When the goalkeeper (Thibaut Courtois) is the best player in the game, something went wrong for the other team.
“We could have played better football and they could have done it but they didn’t. The stats are 50-50 but apart from the goal, they didn’t shoot on target.”
Courtois saved a series of impressive saves that protected Real Madrid’s lead from the 59th minute, as Liverpool scored 23 goals against three attempts for Real.
Klopp, who led Liverpool to three Champions League finals and one victory in 2019: “We saw that we did a lot of good things, but it wasn’t enough.”
Merseyside club, which a few weeks ago aspired to achieve the quartet, ended the season by winning the local cup, but lost the English Premier League and the Champions League.
“Real Madrid took one shot on goal and that was a goal,” the German coach said. “We played a good game but when I lost 1-0 it wasn’t good enough. I told the boys in the changing room that I was really proud.
“These boys had a great season and we couldn’t win the two competitions we couldn’t win by the slightest difference.”
Liverpool missed the Premier League after finishing a point behind champions Manchester City.
“The boys will realize how special they have done (this season),” he added.
“Obviously it’s a different kind of success, not the one you want, but I have a strong feeling we’re back again.
“The boys are really competitive, we have a great group together, we will again have a great group together and then come back again.
“Obviously we have to try a little more than others, but no problem. Where will you be next year? Istanbul. Book the hotel!”