It wasn't just Jurgen Klopp's squad disappointed at their failure to secure Champions League qualification this season.
By finishing fifth, Liverpool not only consigned themselves to Europa League football next term, but also prevented their Academy players from putting their wits against the continent's leading young teams.
For five of the last six years - there was no tournament in 2020/21 due to coronavirus restrictions - a top-four finish in the Premier League has opened the door for Liverpool's next generation to play in the UEFA Youth League.