It has been a disappointing end to the season for Liverpool after its title charge faltered but there has been some silver lining. Few predicted the Reds to be in contention back in August but an excellent campaign left many dreaming of the perfect ending to the Jürgen Klopp era.

That will now not be the case, barring the most unlikely set of results in the next two weeks. Yet Liverpool has secured a return to the Champions League for next season after its Europa League excursions this term.

Klopp's successor, likely Arne Slot, will get the chance to test himself against the very best and it is a competition that Liverpool has flourished in under the departing German. The Reds have featured in three of the last six Champions League finals.

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The competition will be revamped for the 2024/25 season with a a new league phase introduced, involving 36 teams. Clubs will take on eight different opponents (four at home and four away) with each team facing two opponents from each of the four pots.

There will be nine sides in each pot and Liverpool is set to be in pot one, despite not being in Europe's premier competition this season. That is because the Reds are currently fifth in the UEFA coefficient, with the top eight all included alongside the reigning Champions League winner — either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.

The other sides already guaranteed a place in pot one include Bayern Munich, PSG and Manchester City. And there is a chance of a showdown with Pep Guardiola's side in the group stage.

Previously, teams from the same nation could not meet until the quarter-final stage. Now though, leagues with four or more clubs involved in the competition could end up playing each other. It means City could well be one of the two sides in pot one that Liverpool ends up playing.

Arsenal will also be in the Champions League but is ranked 22nd in the UEFA coefficients, meaning it is likely to be in pot two. Aston Villa — who Liverpool faces on Monday — needs one win from its last two matches to finish fourth.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool will be delighted to be back in the Champions League and will be eager to test itself against the very beat teams once again. Facing Manchester City in the group stage would not be ideal for anyone but Slot will be looking to get the better of Pep Guardiola at any opportunity.