Jurgen Klopp admits it will be “tough” for Liverpool to ensure their Champions League absence is brief after hopes of regaining the trophy were ended.
The Reds were held to a goalless draw by Real Madrid in their quarter-final second leg at Anfield on Wednesday to slip out 3-1 on aggregate.
Klopp’s side spurned a number of opportunities, particularly during a first half in which they dominated.
The sole focus is now on securing Champions League qualification for next season with Liverpool three points adrift of the top four with seven games remaining.
And the Reds boss said: “We are not silly. We want what we earn. If we don’t earn it 100% then we respect the situation.
Elsewhere Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden ensured that Manchester City sailed through to the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the second time after sealing victory over Borussia Dortmund in the last eight courtesy of comeback win in Germany.
Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, City found themselves needing to chase the tie when 17-year-old England international Jude Bellingham curled in a superb shot from the edge of the box.
A penalty by Mahrez in the 55th minute of the game and another late goal by youngster Foden ensured that Pep Guardiola’s hope for European silverware remained alive.