Jurgen Klopp praises Liverpool’s ‘crazy run’ of wins that has propelled them into European places, increasing pressure on rivals Newcastle and Man United in the Champions League race
Jurgen Klopp put Newcastle and Manchester United on edge as Liverpool came within one point of the Champions League places by crushing relegation-threatened Leicester.
Liverpool recorded their seventh successive win to secure qualification for European football, thanks to a double from Curtis Jones in the first half and a sensational goal from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half.
Both third-placed Newcastle and fourth-placed Manchester United have a game in hand for Klopp’s side, although Liverpool’s momentum is such that they are firm favorites to take maximum points from their last two games against Aston Villa and Southampton.
“I’ve been in that position before,” Klopp said. “You hope the team chasing you loses, and that pressure falls off your shoulders. We’ve had it in the past where we had to win and win and win.
“I expect Newcastle and Manchester United to do the same, but our form keeps them sharp and that’s our job. We have a super tough game against Aston Villa this weekend.
Jurgen Klopp has praised Liverpool’s ‘crazy run’ of wins as they pursue a top four finish
Curtis Jones got two goals from the visitors as they beat Leicester City 3-0 on Monday night
“But we qualified for Europe, which I didn’t believe could happen six or seven weeks ago. There was only one chance to get there, winning all the games, and that’s what we did. It’s crazy.’
Leicester are two points behind and could be relegated if Everton win at Wolves on Saturday and the Foxes lose at Newcastle next Monday. They were chants of ‘We’re going down’ and ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ from the home fans, many of whom left well before the final whistle.
Dean Smith said: “I wouldn’t question our fight or our attitude, but when you lose at home while fighting relegation I understand why fans react a certain way.” I still believe we’ll stay up.’