Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has told his players to look over their shoulder at the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa as the race for the European spots in the Premier League heats up.
Klopp’s side are fifth in the league table, with 62 points from 35 games. Tottenham are sixth, with 57 points and 35 games played.
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The chasing pack contains Brighton and Hove Albion, who have three games in hand on the Reds and Spurs and have 55 points already on the board. Villa are eighth, with 54 points from 35 matches.
While a resurgent Liverpool are looking to keep pressure on Manchester United and perhaps sneak into the top four, it seems Klopp is not letting his players get complacent.
With the final few games of the season remaining, Klopp has sent his squad a warning regarding the teams behind them and how easily things can change in the league table.
He told Sky Sports: “Imagine if [Newcastle and Manchester United] would slip up. 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 [would be] 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.”
On the teams below, Klopp added: “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.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I think this is more Klopp keeping his team on their toes than actual belief that we can catch them.
Brighton should be the only real threat to Liverpool’s hopes of finishing fifth now.
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