Jurgen Klopp believes his Liverpool players "really deserve" to qualify for the Champions League.
Already-relegated Middlesbrough stand between Liverpool and a return to Europe's premier competition at Anfield on Sunday.
Klopp's side need a win to secure a top-four finish, while there is a possibility they could overtake Manchester City in third place.
When asked if his team's style and performances this term merited Champions League qualification, Klopp replied: "Yes. 100 percent. 100 percent. This is a special season.
"It didn't happen too often that you need 76 points to be sure of the Champions League and so they were always ready, ready to bounce back in different situations, ready to accept different situations around the squad.
"They were always focused. Yes, I think they really deserve it."
Liverpool initially pushed for the title at the beginning of the season before their pursuit collapsed around the festive period.
While Klopp says finishing in the top four would be an achievement, he admits that it was not a target at the beginning of the campaign.
The Liverpool manager added: "It would be a nice answer to say yes but it's really not the truth because at the beginning of seasons I don't set myself limits and say 'this would be okay'.
"My personality is like this. I always dream of the biggest things and of course in one or two moments of the season I am as disappointed as a fan, but that doesn't mean I can't keep this and be not successful.
"There's still something to go for and in the last few weeks most of the decisions are made in this league.
"Now, this is our target and this is what we go for, and we have the opportunity and this is what we should use."
Meanwhile, Adam Lallana told the Liverpool Echo he feels his charismatic manager, as well as a top-four finish, will help attract elite players in the transfer market this summer.
Klopp said on Friday that, having held talks with potential signings, players were increasingly interested in the "project" at Anfield.
"Getting in the top four certainly enhances our chances of attracting top names," Lallana said.
"There's a really good core in the squad here so it's about building around it. We trust the boss, the recruitment staff and the owners. I am sure the funds are there and the manager will have his targets.
"I'm convinced that if the manager meets a player then he'll have a great chance of getting him. He's got that ability to charm a player and makes you feel that you want to play for him. It's a good asset for Liverpool to have going into the summer."