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Joel Matip believes Liverpool belong in the Champions League – but admits top four was not the target when he signed for the Reds.

The centre-back is approaching the end of his debut campaign with the club after his free transfer from Schalke last summer.

The 25-year-old has impressed in his first season in the Premier League, though he has made just 26 appearances after being hit with injuries throughout.

His performances have helped the Reds move into pole position for Champions League qualification, with their destiny in their own hands with six games remaining.

And though the Cameroonian didn’t necessarily expect to be in this position, he says a return to Europe’s top competition would be long overdue for a club of Liverpool’s stature.

“Before the season I did not expect something like this, I just wanted to concentrate on the games and I did not have a target,” he said.

“But now we are in this position, we want to try and keep it and get more and more.

“A club like Liverpool belongs in the Champions League, so we will fight to stay or get there. With all its trophies and history, it is one of the biggest clubs, everybody knows this. Big history, big club.

“Everybody knows something about Liverpool, it speaks for itself, this is Liverpool. It is such a great club with this history.

“I want to play in the Champions League because then you play against the biggest teams and the biggest players and everybody will enjoy this.”

Matip was one of Klopp’s first signings at the club, having agreed a pre-contract to move to Anfield in early 2016.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the defender revealed it was the lure of the German coach which saw him make the move.

“In Germany everybody knows him,” he said. “He was famous for his work with Dortmund. He is a really good coach, I can learn a lot from him and he will make me better.

“If a club like Liverpool asks, in combination with this manager, then you do not have to think a lot about it.”

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Matip is set to start against West Brom on Sunday, and is prepared for a physical battle at the Hawthorns.

“High balls, free kicks, corners,” he said of West Brom’s threat.

“They know how to act, but it will be a tough, hard fight. We are not afraid of them and are looking forward to it.

“I am not afraid, I will not hide against these players. I will take the fight if I play.”