Liverpool boss reckons winning the remaining four Premier League matches will ensure the Reds’ Champions League qualification for next season.
Consecutive draws with Leeds and Newcastle in their last two outings threatened Liverpool’s chance for a top-four finish but a solid 2-0 win over Southampton at home on Saturday has put them back on track.
Leicester City’s abrupt 4-2 defeat to Newcastle paved the way for Liverpool to take advantage by moving within six points closer to the top four – with an extra game in hand. Sadio Mane scored the opener against his former club at the half-hour mark heading Mohamed Salah’s curler through a brilliant move.
Southampton themselves had the chance to equalize when Alisson misjudged and passed the ball straight to Che Adams’ feet. Still, the Brazil international quickly rectified his mistakes and made some commendable saves in the second half.
Thiago Alcantara scored his first goal for the Kops in the dying moments of the game and the result also gifted Klopp his 100th win at Anfield in all competitions.
The German coach was visibly confident in the post-match press conference and when asked whether his team can still qualify for Champions League, Klopp responded,
“Yes. If we do that I think it will be enough. But that is a big if.
“We play on Thursday, Manchester United. I know they play Tuesday and Thursday and have a busy schedule, but they have a squad they can make changes.
“It is not good for them to play three games in a week, it is crazy. And all the other games we will see.
“We will have pressure as long as we win.”
Liverpool are currently on sixth with 57 points in 34 matches and face rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in their next Premier League fixture on Thursday, before they visit West Brom two days later.
