Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp promised to keep pursuing following a ‘massive’ victory against Aston Villa to keep their quadruple dreams alive.
Klopp praised his team’s ‘massive, great, incredible spirit’ after they battled back from a three-point deficit to draw level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Douglas Luiz gave Steven Gerrard’s team an early lead, but Joel Matip equalized before Sadio Mane headed home a superb winner with 25 minutes remaining.
‘A fantastic goal,’ Klopp added. ‘Sadio made a big deal out of it. Then we had to dig deep… if my players weren’t as good as they are, I’d be talking about something entirely else.’
‘We are where we are because of their quality, mindset, and character. It’s not surprising that they’re capable of such feats. But it’s not something I take for granted. I’m incredibly proud of that; it was huge.’
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson praised his team’s “amazing” performance, saying they shouldn’t “spend energy” worrying about City, who lead on goal difference and have a game in hand.
Klopp reiterated such sentiments, stating, “We are still pursuing like crazy… we don’t waste energy thinking, “Hopefully they lose.” No, we just know we have to win; nothing has changed. We must now recover.’
Liverpool will play Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. ‘There’s definitely no mercy,’ Klopp continued.
Mane was questioned after the game if he has ever been happier at Anfield, since he has been linked with a transfer to Bayern Munich this week.
‘I felt happy when we won the trophies,’ the forward remarked. ‘I’m just trying to take it all in.’ The team is everything. It’s easier for me because of the guys.’
An injury to midfielder Fabinho, who left the game after half an hour with a hamstring complaint, was a bitter note for Liverpool. Klopp is hopeful that he will be able to play at Wembley on Sunday.