Jurgen Klopp backs Liverpool to produce a winning run in Premier League top-four race - 'I really think we are ready'
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Updated 28/02/2023 at 17:04 GMT
Liverpool have struggled for consistency throughout an unremarkable campaign thus far, but manager Jurgen Klopp insists his side can produce a winning run as they attempt to close the gap on the Premier League's top-four, starting with the "super-important" home games against Wolves and rivals Manchester United this week. "If there's a club who can do it, I really think it's us," said Klopp.
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Jurgen Klopp has backed his Liverpool side to produce a winning run as they attempt to close the gap on the top four in the Premier League.
The Reds have struggled for consistency throughout an unremarkable campaign thus far, winning just three of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
During that run they have lost 3-0 to Wednesday night’s opposition Wolves, twice to Brighton and were on the receiving end of a 5-2 thrashing at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Out of the FA Cup, Liverpool’s main priority is now to hunt down a Champions League spot for next season. That may well be easier said than done, however, given nine points separate fourth-placed Tottenham and Klopp’s reds.
And with EFL Cup champions Manchester United to visit Anfield on Sunday, that makes Wednesday’s game against Wolves crucial.
When asked if there is a feeling of urgency to get on that run with 15 games of the league season to go, Klopp replied: "That's 45 points. That would be a good moment, a really good moment! That's what we want to do.
"We have to force it, we have to play and enjoy what we are doing. I really think we are ready. If there's a club who can do it, I really think it's us. Honestly.
"We will strike back in general. But now we have to make sure we squeeze every single thing out of this season that we can.
"I don't know what it will be but the obvious spots aren't too far away from us. We will see which one we can pick up. But there are no alternatives to results: We need results and performances."
Despite their woes, Liverpool’s league form at Anfield has been positive, winning seven of their 11 games and losing just once.
Klopp, who has billed this week as "super-important", will be hoping that rich vein of form continues.
"We don't need to make it smaller than it is," he added. "I would love to give the season a little push this week and to get a result you need good performances.
"Nothing I saw since the last game in training gave the impression that we don't have a chance [to do that]. The few sessions we had looked good.
"I know we all understand, the players as well. We have to give it a proper go in this game tomorrow. It's against a team who we have played more often than any other team this season.
"We know a lot about each other. We know it won't be easy, but that's not the most surprising information. We have to make sure we are ready and I know Anfield will be, then we have to do our part."
Klopp – who watched his side held to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday - could also welcome back Darwin Nunez and Ibrahima Konate back into the fold after injury.
"The most difficult thing is when you have too many injuries and the other players have to play too often and they get injured, when the other players come back," said Klopp.
"We didn't have yet the full squad on the training pitch, but last week it was without Thiago and Lucho [Luis Diaz], so we had 26 players on the pitch without goalkeepers.
"The squad is not too small but we haven't had them together with six, seven, eight players out. Now we don't have that amount and it will be decisively important."
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