Reds ex-star Craig Bellamy is impressed with the qualification of Liverpool for the UEFA Champions League ahead of Arsenal this season.

He believes it is a “great achievement” despite the problems they had in defence.

The pundit and academy coach knew how things would play out as he made the comments just before Liverpool played the last game of the season. Liverpool defeated a relegated Middlesbrough side to beat Arsenal to the fourth place.

At the start of the next season, they would have to defeat an opponent in the Champions League qualifier so they could join Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City. Man United would be featuring as well after seeing off Ajax in the Europa League final.

“Klopp if he gets Champions League with the team Liverpool have defensively, it would be a great achievement. Outstanding achievement,” Bellamy said.

Arsene Wenger went into the last game praying for a miracle but their defeat of lacklustre Everton 3-1 was not enough. They would be hoping to get some respite when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Liverpool ended up with 76 points from 38 games. They scored 78 goals but conceded 42. Of the top four, they conceded the most this term.

Klopp is expected to reinforce the defence and possibly get a striker this season. They would be playing in Europe aside local competitions so the team would need quality depth to perform well.