Jurgen Klopp makes Premier League title claim after 'message' from Liverpool players

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool are now ready for the Premier League title run-in despite watching their hopes of Europa League glory ended in Italy.

The Reds were unable to produce an unlikely comeback in their quarter-final second leg at Atalanta on Thursday evening, with a 1-0 win meaning they slipped out 3-0 on aggregate.

Liverpool, who had lost their previous two games, will now concentrate solely on the Premier League, where they stand just two points adrift of champions Manchester City in third place with six games remaining.

LFC PLAYER RATINGS: Mohamed Salah worrying and two others really poor vs Atalanta

AS IT HAPPENED: Atalanta vs Liverpool score updates and analysis

And while frustrated his side were unable to build on Mohamed Salah’s early penalty in Bergamo, Klopp was satisfied with the message sent out by his players.

“I love the way we started the game,” said the Reds boss. “We didn't lose the tie tonight, we lost it at home. It's very easy to congratulate Atalanta because they deserved to go through.

“When you win a tie against us 3-1 in especially this way you deserve it absolutely. But I loved our game, especially the start. I loved the commitment, desire and power we developed in this game but it was clear we had better score from time to time otherwise it could be tricky over 90 minutes.

“How it always is: the second goal could have helped a little bit. Atalanta started confident but with a few situations we had I think we gave them some concerns and they realised it would not be easy and that's the game we gave them.

“I am really fine with that. Disappointed with didn't go through but not frustrated or angry. Now we have a few days to recover and travel the day after tomorrow to London and will play