Jurgen Klopp admits it is “insane” that Liverpool now stand just one win away from Champions League qualification after an “incredibly tough, tough” season. Now nine Premier League games unbeaten, Liverpool are level on points with Leicester City but with a goal difference four superior than the Foxes.
Jurgen Klopp said: “I couldn’t be more pleased – it’s not like I take it for granted. I knew this season would be for us an incredibly tough, tough season. Weeks ago, I think it was February, was the last time we were in the top four because we didn’t win a lot of games since then. In the last eight or 10 games, we are back on track. If we win on Sunday then – although it depends on the results of Leicester or Chelsea – we will probably be qualified for the Champions League. It’s insane that we are that close, but we are not through.”
Klopp had previously referred to the game at Burnley as a “semi-final” Liverpool needed to win to ensure a “final” showdown at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday. Leicester will entertain Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, while Chelsea – who are a point ahead of the Reds in third – are at Aston Villa.
Jurgen Klopp added: “You win the semi-final, you go to the final and that’s where we are. We will give absolutely everything on Sunday. We have to just keep going, to keep believing and improving. Stay focused on the next game, not the one after it. You just have to keep going and that’s what we do. It’s incredibly tough on the boys, and you need to be lucky in moments, that is clear. For tonight it was good enough and we have to make sure it is good enough on Sunday.”
