Hamann: Missing out could help
Didi Hamann claims the absence of European football could help Liverpool next season.
The 37-year-old joined Gerard Houllier's Anfield revolution in 1999 ahead of our last season without continental competition.
Over the next few years he won the UEFA Cup and Champions League in a red shirt - making him well placed to comment on how being denied a Europa League place will affect Kenny Dalglish and co.
"Missing out on the Europa League could be a blessing," said the German.
"It's a devalued competition. There were three Portuguese teams in the semi-finals this season and, no disrespect to them, but I can't remember the last time a Portuguese team was in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
"A season without European football won't do them any harm."
Now a first-team coach at Championship side Leicester City, Hamann keeps a keen eye on happenings at his former club.
And he has been delighted with developments since January.
"Things didn't work out for Roy Hodgson and he said he didn't have the backing," added Hamann. "Kenny was the man the punters wanted and they've gone from strength to strength since.
"It was a very shrewd move to get rid of Torres and bring in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. They are only two or three players short of having a competitive team next year."