Javier Manquillo Throws Down Europa League Gauntlet

Although all eyes remain firmly on the Premier League meeting with Arsenal later today, Liverpool fullback Javier Manquillo took some time out of preparations to talk about the upcoming Europa League tie with Besiktas and Champions League qualification.

While UEFA’s second tier competition has been seen as nothing more than a nuisance in the past, changes to the rules will see the winner’s claim a spot in the qualifying stages of their premier competition next season regardless of their performances on the domestic front — something that’s sweetened the post significantly. “It definitely makes it even more attractive” said the Spaniard when asked about making a run at the trophy. “Apart from winning the Europa League, which would be awesome, we all want to be playing in the Champions League again next year. We’ll do whatever it takes to win the competition.”

After securing a direct route into Europe’s most important club competition for the first time in five years on the back of last season’s miraculous league run, expectations were high for Liverpool’s return to the continent, but the Reds fell short with an early exit at the Group Stage. While claiming the trophy for a fourth time at the final in Warsaw, Poland at the end of May would certainly serve as a fitting consolation for their failings on the bigger stage, it would also hand the struggling Reds a shot at making good on last years shortcomings.

“All clubs playing in European competitions – whether it’s the Champions League or the Europa League – are certainly big clubs. We’ll try to win this tie and go on as far as possible in this competition” he continued. “Perhaps we can win this trophy, why not? As a Liverpool player, you must aim to win the greatest possible honours. That’s just what we’ll try to do for the rest of the season.”