Steven Gerrard believes the outcome of tonight’s Europa League final against Sevilla will define Liverpool’s season.

The club’s former captain said that winning it would mean “a place in history for all those players and the sense they are at the beginning of a new era under one of the greatest coaches of his generation”.

Rejuvenated by the addition of Jurgen Klopp as manager, and bolstered by the promise of increased stadium capacity next season, there is growing optimism about the future among fans.

Writing in the Telegraph today, Gerrard described the many benefits to the club from winning the match.

In addition to the obvious reward of a European trophy, being able to offer Champions League football would make the club a more attractive prospect to top players in the transfer window.

Conversely, defeat would mean Klopp had overseen two final losses in his first season in charge (after the League final defeat in February) and would be a hammer blow to the growing hope and positive morale at the club.

As Liverpool finished eighth in the Premier League, it would also mean the club were unable to offer any European football to transfer targets.

With so much at stake, Gerrard’s wish is the same as all Liverpool fans: “I just hope come the final whistle I see Jordan Henderson and Jurgen Klopp lifting that beautiful trophy”.

Liverpool v Sevilla – kick-off 7.45pm – live on TV3.