“We know” — Jurgen Klopp gives verdict on Liverpool’s odds of snubbing Man United of top four finish

Liverpool have secured Europa League qualification for next season but their focus still remains on trying to snub Manchester United of a top four finish. Erik ten Hag’s side are currently just one point above their northwest rivals in the Premier League, but they hold a crucial game in-hand.

Both Man United and Newcastle United have dropped points recently and the gap between them and fifth-placed Liverpool has dramatically closed, despite them previously looking down and out of the Champions League race. All the Red Devils need to do is win two of their remaining three fixtures and they will guarantee their top four finish.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are unbeaten in their last nine fixtures and have won seven on the bounce. The German boss admitted it is a relief to have at least qualified for the Europa League, as it seemed virtually impossible earlier in the season.

“Six or seven weeks ago, I didn’t believe that could happen,” Klopp said after Liverpool’s latest 3-0 win over Leicester City. “What we lacked that time was consistency and there was only one chance to get in the situation we are in by winning pretty much all the football games. It’s crazy but that was the situation we were in.”

Despite the Reds’ red hot run of form recently, Klopp is aware Man United currently hold all the cards. Even if Liverpool end their season with two huge wins, their fate remains out of their hands. The maximum amount of points they can finish on is 71, meaning ten Hag and his men need just six points to stay ahead and can therefore afford to draw or lose one of their three remaining fixtures.

“We knew that before the game, we were qualified for the Europa League, which is absolutely great from where we were coming from. All the rest is not in our own hands but we know we have to win all of the games until the end of the season to have a chance,” Klopp continued.

“I’ve said it a couple of times, I’m pretty sure. Yes, [Man] United and Newcastle are not watching us, that’s all fine, but I was in a similar situation and you wish anyway that the opponent is losing and you have that kind of pressure off the shoulder. Our job is to keep the pressure but, again, it’s not likely. But this is still better than we could have expected 6-7 weeks ago.”

Man United’s next clash will be against Bournemouth away from home, before they turn their attention to back-to-back games at Old Trafford against Chelsea and Fulham.