Jurgen Klopp has warned his Champions League-chasing Liverpool side to also look ‘behind’ them in the Premier League table because Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are ‘coming’.
On Saturday, Liverpool beat Brentford 1-0 to move fifth in the Premier League table, whilst Tottenham are sixth after seeing off Crystal Palace by the same scoreline, but Unai Emery’s Aston Villa remain eighth after losing to Wolves.
Albeit it’s unlikely, Villa could still finish above Liverpool this season, if they win their remaining three matches, which includes a trip to Anfield and Jurgen Klopp’s men lose the other two games to Dean Smith’s Leicester City and bottom-of-the-table Southampton.
The same applies to Spurs, although, they would only need the six-time European champions to lose two matches.
Either way, it’s all on the line in the race for Champions League football and Europe, which was touched upon by Klopp, as he told Sky Sports.
On Liverpool being ready if Newcastle or Man United slip-up: “Of course, that’s always the (case),” said Klopp. “Imagine if they would. But I don’t think they will.
“Imagine if they would and we wouldn’t be there, then we would really regret that. Apart from that, if Man United wins their two games in hand, then they are seven points away and it’s pretty much done.
“People forget about Brighton, if they win their games in hand when you see them playing, then it’s absolutely possible. They are above us. It’s just an interesting period. It’s a bit more exciting than a few teams wanted for us. It’s good that we can get in that region of the table again.
“But we have to make sure we keep the teams behind us, behind us! They are coming as well. Not only Brighton, but Aston Villa and Tottenham. They won (against Crystal Palace). Nothing is decided for us, which is good. We have three games to go.”
WHO GETS EUROPE?
Well, one of Liverpool, Brighton, Villa and Tottenham will have no midweek fixtures for next season.
More than likely, it’s going to be either Spurs or Villa because of the other two’s commanding positions. With Liverpool on the top four’s tail and Brighton having games in hand (3), then they are still in with a shout of Champions League.
All of it is going to be ironed out during these next few weeks, especially with Villa and Tottenham locking horns next week, including the Midlands side making the trip to Anfield the following week and then their last game of the season against Brighton.
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