Jurgen Klopp concedes that a chance for Liverpool to catch Manchester City this season may not come. Instead, they can only hope and continue to be a ‘thorn in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Liverpool are six points behind the Premier League leaders after City’s defeat by Tottenham, with a game in hand against Leeds on Wednesday.
Klopp maintained on Tuesday that his team had no margin for error in the title fight. He stated, “We have to win all of our games.” ‘We expect City to win theirs.’
‘It seems to be the case that they win almost all of their games.’
Given that Liverpool will face City in April, their fate is in their hands. Klopp, on the other hand, believes that their best chance is to ‘annoy’ City by keeping in touch as long as possible.
‘It’s vital for us to be near the top – whoever is at the top — because it demonstrates that something is heading in the right way,’ the German explained.
‘It’s been a while since both teams have been able to accomplish some unique things.’ Not only are we pushing each other, but so are the other teams: Chelsea, United, Arsenal, and Tottenham. You can’t afford to get soft because another squad will catch you.’ Pep described us as a ‘pain in the a***’ (Guardiola recently referred to Liverpool as a ‘pain in the a***’).
‘That’s an excellent description. That is, after all, how it should be. Until we have a chance to overtake, we attempt to be as obnoxious as possible. You have to be near enough at the crucial times of the season.’ We have to be at the top of our game.’
That will be more difficult without injured duo Roberto Firmino (muscle) and Diogo Jota (foot), who will both miss the encounter on Wednesday.
They may also be unable to compete in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Klopp answered, ‘We’ll see.’ ‘They’re pushing, but they didn’t show up for training, which isn’t encouraging.’
Liverpool must beat Leeds at Anfield in a ‘tough fight’ before traveling to Wembley.
In addition to City, Klopp’s team must face West Ham, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham in their last 13 league games.
‘It’s not like we’re counting down the minutes till the City game,’ Klopp added.
‘I’m delighted with what the lads have accomplished over the last four years, but not so happy that I say, “OK, that’s enough.” From now on, we must leave.
‘Decisions will be made later – one over the weekend, and others possibly later.’ All we have to do now is make sure we’re present when these decisions are made.’