Georginio Wijnaldum has called on Liverpool to maintain their belief that they can secure a Champions league berth for next season, despite Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were dealt a blow to their Champions League aspirations when a brace by Christian Benteke condemned them to a 2-1 defeat, after Philippe Coutinho’s first-half free kick gave them the lead.

Wijnaldum rued the manner in which his team conceded their sixth loss of the campaign, but highlighted that they are still firmly in contention for a Champions League berth.

‘[As long as] there’s a chance to qualify for the Champions League, we have to believe in it,’ he told Liverpool’s website.

‘If you don’t believe you can reach it, it’s already done. We must have the confidence and stick together, helping each other out in moments like this.

‘We will fight for the Champions League spot. That’s the only thing we can do now. We can’t change this game anymore, so we have to look forward.

‘Against Watford we can change everything and get a good result. We have to look game by game and at the end of the season we will see what happens,’ he concluded.

The loss to Palace sees Liverpool remain in third spot on the table. However, both Manchester City and Manchester United have the chance to leapfrog Klopp’s side to third, having played two games less.

Watford host Liverpool in a premier League encounter on 1 May at Vicarage Road, with kick-off set for 21:00.

Photo: EPA/Peter Powell