LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s title challenge may have imploded but manager Juergen Klopp hopes they can get back to playing their best football with the pressure off and Champions League qualification assured for next season.
Fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who are on a three-game losing streak, visit Anfield on Sunday and with Spurs’ defeat at Chelsea on Thursday, the Merseysiders were guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League.
That was a small consolation for Klopp after a run of one win in their last five games dropped them from first to third in the table behind Arsenal and Manchester City and shredded their hopes of winning the title in the German manager’s final season with the club.
“I am really happy (at qualifying),” Klopp told reporters on Friday. “It is an achievement. We looked like we can go all the way and stay in the (title) race for longer. “But it’s still third place behind two teams who have done really well... it is not over yet but the pressure is off now. It would be really cool if we could play our football now because it’s been intense the last few weeks.”
As for his second meeting with Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, Klopp said: “I expect a good side. If you don’t defend properly Spurs will play through you.” “I understand it doesn’t feel like a great moment because of their expectations (in the league position) but they always have a clear football idea. We have to defend compact.”