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LONDON. — Jurgen Klopp believes he can now enjoy the “perfect” preparation for the Champions League soccer final after Liverpool confirmed their spot in next year’s competition with a 4-0 rout of Brighton.

Led by Mohamed Salah’s record-breaking 32nd English Premier League goal of the season, Liverpool’s victory at Anfield on Sunday secured fourth place, five points clear of Chelsea, who failed to apply any pressure in losing 3-0 against Newcastle United.

Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Kiev on May 26, but can rest at ease that a return to the competition is not dependent on beating the Spanish giants. And Klopp is now hopeful an injury-hit Liverpool squad can rest up to be at their best in Ukraine. “Some people have asked me if two weeks is too long and I say: ‘no, it is perfect’,” Klopp said. “That is for us like a little pre-season to the game. Everyone can imagine the boys need a bit of rest.

“This was the perfect final of the season, of a very exciting season, and a very intense season.” Should Liverpool come out of the blocks against Madrid with the same poise and intensity that has characterised their season and blew Brighton away, then the 12-time European champions could be in for a real shock. — AFP.gue in a few weeks time,”