Leeds defender Diego Llorente's 87th-minute header to cancel Sadio Mane's opener on 31 minutes denied Liverpool a place in the top four - which might not even matter given the Reds are one of the 12 clubs behind the creation of a controversial breakaway league that is threatening to split the historic structure of European soccer.

The Super League could be launched as early as next season, rendering meaningless the race for Champions League qualification that currently involves Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur - three of the six rebel English clubs.

James Milner, Liverpool's captain for the game, became the first player from one of the so-called founding clubs to criticise plans for the Super League.

"I don't like it and hopefully it doesn't happen," Milner said.

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford said players were "in shock" at the developments.

"From what I have seen, I haven't seen one football fan who is happy about the decision, and football is ultimately about the fans," Bamford said.

Liverpool remain sixth in the standings, outside the Champions League places.

A win would have lifted Liverpool above West Ham United and into fourth place.

Liverpool came in for lots of criticism pre-game - from their own fans and those of rival clubs - for being greedy and damaging the integrity of the English and wider game because of their role in the Super League plans.

The club's American ownership bore the brunt of the criticism but the players were jeered and verbally abused as they arrived at Elland Road.

"That felt a bit unjust," Milner said.

Leeds players wore T-shirts during the warm-up, which had the words 'Earn it' on the front and 'Football is for the fans' on the back - seemingly a message to the rebel clubs.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the latest developments would not make him quit as manager and he "will try to help to sort it somehow."

"I'm here as a football coach and a manager," Klopp said post-match.

"I will do that as long as people let me do that. I heard today I will resign or whatever. If the times get even tougher, that makes me more sticky that I stay here.

"I feel responsible for the team, I feel responsible for the club, I feel responsible for the relationship we have with our fans, and that is why it's a very tough time, I'm sure."

Australian Associated Press