Jurgen Klopp’s men managed to climb into fourth position with a stunning showing against Burnley on Wednesday night. While there are still a few games to be played that will determine whether Liverpool can finish the season off in the top four, their manager has applauded their comeback from a dire position.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said it was insane they were now so close to Champions League qualification after the terrible run of form they had at the turn of the year seemed to have scuppered their chances.
They are ahead of Leicester by virtue of a goal difference which is four better and third is still up for grabs if Chelsea, a point ahead, stumble at Aston Villa and they beat Crystal Palace.
It is an impressive comeback from two months ago when, for a time, any European football looked beyond them.
“If we win on Sunday then we are probably qualified for the Champions League.
“When you win the semi-final you go to a final and that’s where we are. We will give our absolute everything.”
“Really mature performance. It was not a world-class start; at the beginning we were nervous with our passing,” he added.
“But after 15 minutes we found our feet back and we played some really good football.
“We missed the two biggest chances of the game at the beginning but we scored a wonderful goal, the second goal from Nat was outstanding skill from Sadio and a great header and the third goal was Oxlade at his best.
“The way Burnley went for our centre-halves with the way they played it is so tricky to defend and the boys did really well. We needed each single performance on the pitch.”
Burnley boss Sean Dyche felt the scoreline flattered the visitors slightly.
“We matched them pretty well overall, we have created chances, we have had more of the ball than we have had ever against Liverpool.
“But there is a gap: they had three shots on target and scored three.”
Dyche also confirmed forward Ashley Barnes – an unused substitute – had been arrested for drink-driving after last week’s win over Fulham.
“It is the case and that will be dealt with the powers that be, which is the police of course,” he added.
“Therefore, while observing the conclusion of legal proceedings, the club will be treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.
“The player will be subject to internal disciplinary procedures as a result.”