UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has suggested that his Liverpool team may need a miracle if they are to finish inside the top four this season with time running out. The Reds are four points adrift of Manchester United and Newcastle in the Premier League table, and their fate is firmly out of their hands.
Realistically, Liverpool will need to win all three of their remaining games if they are to have any chance of playing in the Champions League next season. If they do win nine more points then they will still need one of Manchester United or Newcastle to drop points in two of their final three games which seems unlikely.
Speaking ahead of Monday night’s match with Leicester City, who are in a relegation dogfight themselves, Klopp reminisced about other times that his Liverpool side have beaten the odds to come out victorious. He said:
“I knew weeks ago it was completely out of sight. I couldn’t see it at all, but that did not mean we would not try to get closer. That’s the only thing we did, we got closer. We were around when miracles happened, that is true, but it was then still in our hands. Now we have to win but that does not mean anything changes because the other teams could win all their games.”
A similar scenario to 2020/21
Two years ago, Jurgen Klopp’s side went on a rich vein of form over the final ten games of the season to secure a top-four finish after a poor domestic season. Back then, they won eight and drew two of their last ten fixtures and ended up finishing in third place.
One of the most famous goals in recent times helped them on their way that year when Alisson scored from a last-minute corner away at West Bromwich Albion to earn his side a 2-1 victory. Liverpool then used their end-of-season form to kickstart a title challenge the following season, something Klopp will be hoping to emulate next season with some summer reinforcements.
Trent Alexander-Arnold says his favourite ever assist was his for Alisson’s header: “It was a special goal. I was speaking about this with my mates and the only way this goal gets better is if it's for the title." [@LivEchoLFC]
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) May 11, 2023
However, the German has accepted that they will more than likely have to tackle next season without Champions League football due to their poor form earlier in the season. He said:
“We play a really bad season, I think everyone in this room agrees, and now we have 62 points. It is strange. There is still quality in the boys. I am really happy we could show up a little bit. Where it will end up, it’s really not about that.
“I know everyone wants to go to the Champions League, I understand that 100% as that’s what I want. It is just not really likely, that is the situation we created.”
Desperate opponents await
Despite Klopp’s insistence that he has given up on finishing inside the top four, Liverpool will still head to the King Power Stadium determined to get three points. Awaiting them is a Leicester City side in dire need of points themselves as they scrap for Premier League Survival. Before the game, interim boss Dean Smith sent a warning to Klopp and Liverpool about what they can expect on Monday night. He said:
“I’m expecting fight, but I’m expecting better quality than we showed in decision-making opportunities against Fulham. We need points and it’s a home game for us, hopefully Jurgen is not disappointed in the fight he sees.”
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
