How Liverpool earned mega £119m windfall thanks to Man City and Pep Guardiola

Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night meant last season’s title rivals Liverpool would finish at least fifth in the Premier League table.

After pushing Pep Guardiola’s side to the final day last season, the Reds have endured a difficult campaign but will at least play Europa League football next term.

They will pocket £35.2 million for finishing fifth in the table while also earning £84 million from the Premier League’s various television rights deals - taking their total to £119.2 million.

Liverpool can mathematically finish fourth ahead of Manchester United but would need the Red Devils to lose both of their remaining games, which are against Chelsea and Fulham with both played at Old Trafford.

There was the possibility Roberto De Zerbi’s impressive Brighton side could pip the Reds to fifth but they could only muster a draw against City after Guardiola claimed his players “drank all the alcohol in Manchester” after celebrating their Premier League title triumph last weekend.

“I was a little bit worried about how much we would drop our (level) with what we had done the last four, five, six months,” said Guardiola as Phil Foden’s opener was cancelled out by a stunning striker from Enciso.

“Forty hours (ago) we drank all the alcohol in Manchester and the way they played was outstanding. I enjoyed it a lot, especially being champions.

“You have to come here to win the game, we know it will be tough. They are a fantastic team in all departments, that’s why they are in the Europa League, well deserved. And also we showed why we are the best team in England.”

He continued: “At 10.30pm [on Sunday], I was in bed with my wife, I was exhausted. I watched Match of the Day and I slept like a baby but I know the players did what they have to do.

“When you win the Premier League you have to celebrate. They did it with the families, they enjoyed it a lot and the next morning was just sauna time.

“And the day after, we talked a little bit in the afternoon: ‘Guys, we have to be ready for Brighton’ and they did it.”