Diogo Jota admits Europa League feels like ‘downgrade’ for… – Goal.com

• Liverpool dropped to the Europa League
• Jota jokes that Madrid can still chase them
• Portuguese star admits UEL is a ‘downgrade’

WHAT HAPPENED? Liverpool had to settle for a place in next season’s Europa League after finishing fifth in the Premier League. That will see them avoid Real Madrid, but Jota has become so used to being knocked out by the Spanish giants that he wouldn’t be surprised if they cross paths again.

WHAT THEY SAID: Since joining Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, Jota has been knocked out by Madrid in the 2022 final, the quarter-finals in 2021 and then the last 16 last year.

He told Four Four Two: “[Real Madrid] could somehow finish third in their [Champions League] group and still get in the way. But ever since I came to Liverpool I’ve always been knocked out by Real Madrid, so hopefully they’re not there [in the Europa League].”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The 26-year-old thinks a year in the Europa League will be disappointing for the club’s fans, but says they should take it seriously regardless. Although the fans are used to playing in the Champions League every year and it will feel like a downgrade, it is still a prestigious competition. We will do our best to win it.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NOW? Portuguese winger Jota and his co-stars will soon return to Liverpool to begin preparations for next season as they look to improve upon their disappointing 2022-23 season.