Liverpool to face Dynamo Uzbekistan in next season’s Europa League opener

English Premier League giants Liverpool will play away against Dynamo Uzbekistan in the first game of next season’s Europa League.

The Anfield club failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years and just to rub salt into their wounds, it was bitter rivals Manchester United who sealed their fate last night with a 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford. The result also confirmed United’s return to Europe’s elite competition.

Despite all this, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp tried to put a positive spin on things when he told reporters this morning that he’s bored playing against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“Oh come on, who hasn’t been to Spain? We’ve all been there. Everyone has been there. Even the council estate riff-raff I see at Anfield every week have been there. Frankly I’m bored to death with Spain. But how many of you have ever been to Uzbekistan? Now that’s a real challenge.”

Klopp was asked if he has any sympathy for the travelling fans who will have to trek thousands of miles to a bleak, inhospitable city to support their team.

“Yes of course but I’ve had to live here for eight years so I’m sure the Uzbekistani fans can manage one night.”

The other teams drawn in Liverpool’s group are Bayern Bratislava, FC Ablania Old Boys and Lanzarote.