Striker jokes about Liverpool’s European ‘demotion’ Not all nights in Europe are the same, or they aren’t if you’re used to a certain standard of European nights.

Liverpool are set to play in the Europa League next season and many fans and pundits see it as something of a downgrade from the Champions League nights we are used to. It’s not a problem for Diogo Jota.

“I’ve played with Wolves before in the Europa League,” Jota told FourFourTwo. “Even if the fans are used to playing in the Champions League every year and it will seem like a downgrade, it is still a prestigious competition. We will do our best to win it.”

Liverpool have been a fixture in the Champions League for the past seven seasons, so fans will be forgiven for not having many memories of how The Other European Night works.

For Jota, however, the only thing that matters to him is that he will never meet Real Madrid again. This probably won’t happen, but Jota is nonetheless (probably jokingly) wary:

“Well, [Real Madrid] can somehow finish third in their [Champions League] group and still get in our way…” joked Jota. “But since I arrived at Liverpool I have always been eliminated by Real Madrid, so I hope they are not there.”

If we don’t play against Real Madrid, we should all be excited for the Europa League, frankly. In One True European Nights and beating each team in our own way.

More news…….

Liverpool ‘agent conversations’ hint at Trent Alexander-Arnold plan as Reds deal with Chelsea danger

Liverpool are reportedly discussing the possibility of signing another right-back in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard’s agents, which could indicate the Reds are in the hunt for a new right-back this summer.

The decision is likely linked to the transformation of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has recently excelled as a central midfielder at club and country.

Alexander-Arnold caught the eye during the Three Lions’ recent international break – scoring a goal against Malta before providing a superb assist for Bukayo Saka in a 7-0 win over North Macedonia.

And it now looks like Liverpool are planning to provide additional cover as they prepare to continue using Alexander-Arnold centrally.

According to Bild, the Reds have eyed Pavard as a possible summer recruit, with the Bayern man expected to start a new challenge this summer.

Journalist Christian Falk told Caught Offisde: “Liverpool and Pavard. They have spoken to the agents, but have never been concrete with the club and so are the opinions of the other clubs.

“There aren’t many clubs that interest Pavard. There was and is Barca, there’s Liverpool, Chelsea, and if City is on the table, City too.”

It appears Liverpool could face stiff competition from rivals Chelsea and Manchester City as both look to improve their defenses this summer.

Liverpool recently loaned youngster Calvin Ramsay to Preston which would also suggest they are looking to beef up their right-back options.

In the past, James Milner came on easily as a substitute option, but now the veteran has joined Brighton on a free transfer.In recent days, Kyle Walker has been linked with a shock transfer to Anfield.

But that doesn’t look feasible at the moment as Bayern Munich are the clear favorites as they leave the Etihad Stadium with talks over a new contract reportedly underway.

Former Liverpool winger John Barnes doesn’t believe a transfer for Walker is realistic. He told Betting Expert: “Kyle Walker would be good but Kyle Walker doesn’t go [to the question of which RBs would suit Liverpool’s style]. Of course there are right-backs who would be good for Liverpool. Kieran Trippier is different.

“But I don’t see anyone in the Premier League that Liverpool can get. I don’t think they are looking for a right-back but for midfielders.”

Liverpool are also set to hand Alexander-Arnold a new contract in the coming months after his exceptional end to the season.

Jürgen Klopp is now building his squad around the 24-year-old and could move permanently to a chain of three in the long run. The Reds are currently prioritizing reinforcements in midfield but can also tweak their defence.