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Liverpool 31-year-old makes big statement about his club future
By Matt Farr
Defender Ragnar Klavan insists he wants to play Champions League football with Liverpool next season.
The 31-year-old moved to Anfield at the start of the season, but has largely had to settle for a bit-part role in Liverpool’s first-team squad.
He made just four Premier League appearances between August and mid-December, but has since earned regular opportunities in Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven with Dejan Lovren out injured.
But Klavan is determined to make a big impact in Liverpool’s squad in the coming seasons, and is hoping to help steer the club into the Champions League ahead.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “As a player for this club, you want to play Champions League.
“For me as well, I want to be important for this club and whatever the role is going to be I’m always going to be there for the first team.
“Whenever it’s needed, I’m going to be there and this is how it is.”
Klavan’s admission suggests that the Estonia international is happy with his current role in the Liverpool setup, despite playing second fiddle to Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip at the back.
However, the competition for places is likely to increase in the summer, with Liverpool expected to add at least another defender to their ranks.
Liverpool have been criticised for their defensive efforts this season, after shipping 36 goals from their 29 Premier League matches.
Only two sides in the top ten have conceded more goals (Stoke and West Brom), and their inability to keep clean sheets could hamper their bid to finish in the Premier League’s top four this term.
As it stands, Liverpool are in fourth place, but their four-point advantage over Manchester United could disappear if they fail to beat rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby following the international break.
In other Liverpool news, the club have handed an 18-year-old emerging star an opportunity to impress in the absence of their senior stars.
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