Europa League exploits set Liverpool benchmark, says Klopp as Reds advance to final

Liverpool’s performances in this season’s Europa League have illuminated a path for the team’s future, manager Juergen Klopp declared after his side sank Villarreal brilliantly to reach the final.

Liverpool will face holders Sevilla in Basel in May 18 after a Bruno Soriano own goal and efforts from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana at Anfield on Thursday secured a resounding 3-0 win and a 3-1 aggregate success.

Liverpool had made an inauspicious start to their Europa League campaign when Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers last October, but having now eliminated Augsburg, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal, they will play in their first European final since 2007.

“To go to a final you need a little a bit of luck in decisive moments, but most of the time you need outstanding performances,” he told his post-match media conference.

“When I came here, the tournament didn’t sound too nice for people. Three draws (actually two). It was a difficult group.

“We came through with a nice game in Russia (beating Rubin Kazan 1-0). That was good.

“We felt really comfortable in this tournament. We liked going to different countries and adapting to different circumstances, different temperatures. I like this in football.