Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp feels he is the right person for the job at the Anfield and insists that securing qualification for the Champions League would be considered an “outstanding” success for the club this season.
Ahead of their trip to Manchester to face Pep Guardiola’s men, Jurgen Klopp has spoken about the target he has set for the club this season. According to a report by Skysports, the former Borussia Dortmund manager has said that if he knew that somebody else can do a better job at Liverpool, he would not be at the club.
Klopp has gone on to claim that the Liverpool supporters have retained their faith in him, however, he feels it is necessary to “respect” the quality of the competition they are facing at the top end of the table.
Liverpool are currently fourth in the points table, and Arsenal’s recent run of poor form has seen them become a favorite to finish in the top-four. However, their arch rivals Manchester United have two games in hand and are just six points behind them. Klopp feels securing a top-four finish would count as a success for his team this season.
“I would say this season going to the Champions League would be an outstanding success because of all the quality around us. This season is a good example for how close and how tight it is.
“January and February cost us a lot and that’s true. Because we had injuries we had a few games that cost us energy.
“We lost two or three games too much, we could have won against Hull. We could have won against Swansea. Six points more and we are really on the neck of Chelsea. That’s how it is.
“It doesn’t mean because we lost these two games, everything else is wrong. But it also doesn’t mean it is perfect. We take all the information and really try to get better every day,” Klopp said, reported Skysports.
Both Manchester City and Liverpool have failed to keep up with the pace set by the league leaders Chelsea this season and at this point, securing a Champions League qualification spot is expected to be their priority. The outcome of the encounter between these two clubs at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday could go a long way in deciding the final standing.
The past few encounters between Manchester City and Liverpool have produced a lot of goals – 15 goals in their last five matches in all competitions. The last time Liverpool visited the Etihad Stadium was back in November 2015, and the visitors scored four past the home side on that day to win 1-4.
In his pre-match press conference, Klopp has also backed his under-fire counterpart Pep Guardiola for sticking to his philosophy despite all the criticism surrounding it. The German manager feels, in the long run, it makes sense to “stick to a plan”, reported Skysports.