Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes his side “will absolutely be a contender again” as the Reds’ largely miserable season ended with a 4-4 draw at bottom club Southampton.

This campaign the Reds finished fifth – despite being unbeaten in their final 11 matches – and will not be playing in the Champions League next season for the first time since 2016-17.

“There were moments during this season where you thought it [the struggle] would be four years long,” said Klopp.

“Imagine if we were our normal self [earlier in the season], which we absolutely will be next season and we will be a contender again.

“The last 11 games helped us to realise that again.”

Against the relegated Saints, Liverpool opened the scoring through Diogo Jota when he punished Romeo Lavia’s poor pass before Roberto Firmino made it 2-0 as he scored in his final match for the Reds.

The Saints pulled a goal back through James Ward-Prowse and were level in the 28th minute when Kamaldeen Sulemana netted his first goal for the club.

Sulemana completed the turnaround just after half-time and Adam Armstrong put the hosts 4-2 up in the 64th minute.

But Liverpool responded with Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute tap-in, and Jota levelled maters with his second a minute later.

Mohamed Salah hit the post for Liverpool in the final 15 minutes with a lobbed effort, but neither side was able to find a winner in a hugely entertaining match.

‘We can compete at this level’ – Selles

Southampton manager Ruben Selles believes his side’s draw proves they are ready to “bounce back quick” from the Championship.

Southampton’s relegation after 11 years in the Premier League was confirmed on 13 May after a 2-0 loss to Fulham.

The Saints have had a torrid season but departed the top flight on a positive note, ending a five-match losing run.

“We just want to make sure that we can show once again we are ready to compete at this level,” Selles, whose finished 20th, 11 points off Premier League safety, told BBC Sport.

“Events will take us away from the Premier League but this team is ready to bounce back quick.”

Captain Ward-Prowse, whose future with the Hampshire club remains in doubt, was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 87th minute.

Theo Walcott, who announced he would be leaving the Saints earlier on Sunday, was also given a warm reception by the home fans.

Firmino netted on his final appearance for Liverpool. The Brazilian is departing the Anfield club along with England midfielder James Milner.

Player of the match

Roberto FirminoRoberto Firmino

Southampton

1. Squad number20Player nameSulemana

2. Squad number9Player nameA Armstrong

3. Squad number53Player nameBallard

4. Squad number21Player nameLivramento

5. Squad number8Player nameWard-Prowse

6. Squad number26Player nameAlcaraz

7. Squad number17Player nameS Armstrong

8. Squad number75Player nameAmo-Ameyaw

9. Squad number45Player nameLavia

10. Squad number32Player nameWalcott

11. Squad number2Player nameWalker-Peters

12. Squad number4Player nameLyanco

13. Squad number35Player nameBednarek

14. Squad number14Player nameBree

15. Squad number1Player nameMcCarthy

16. Squad number24Player nameElyounoussi

• Our coverage of your Premier League club is bigger and better than ever before – here’s everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment