Liverpool gives up first place
Klopp defends himself against “the stupidest thing we can do”
April 8, 2024, 7:37 a.m
Due to the loss of points in the classic against Manchester United, Liverpool FC has to give up the lead in the Premier League again. A setback for coach Jürgen Klopp, but no reason to be nervous.
Jürgen Klopp can currently live with second place in the Premier League. And looking at Liverpool FC’s current goal tally compared to league leaders Arsenal FC, the 56-year-old Reds coach finds words of warning. Some would now tell them that they have to go for the goal difference, said Klopp: “That would be the stupidest thing we could do.”
After Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have 71 points. The Gunners had won 3-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion the day before and had a goal record that was nine goals better. “It doesn’t happen on purpose. You don’t win a game and want to score eight goals and it happens,” emphasized Klopp: “I knew that it would remain very tricky until the end.”
Ultimately, all that matters to Klopp is that he and Liverpool are in first place in the English championship after matchday 38. Of course, it is always better to always stand there and have a distance between yourself and the other teams. But they are coping well with their situation, said Klopp, who will be leaving Liverpool FC after this season and taking a break. The Reds went into the weekend as leaders.
Klopp sees Liverpool as “everything I need”
“I know people will see it as two points lost. But we have one point more than before the away game at Manchester United,” said Klopp and demanded: “We have to stay calm.” The statisticians recorded 28 shots to 9 in favor of the Reds after the game at Old Trafford, but an enormous excess of chances – especially in the first half – cost Klopp’s team victory in the traditional duel.
Mohamed Salah (84th) had at least saved the draw with a penalty kick after Bruno Fernandes (50th) had turned the game around for Man United with a goal from 40 meters and Kobbie Mainoo (67th). Team manager Erik ten Hag’s team seemed to have no chance in the first half, but with generous help from the guests they made a comeback. The Colombian Luis Diaz (23rd) gave the Reds the lead.
Also in the championship race is defending champion Manchester City in third place with just one point less than Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC. Klopp also believes that there will be a change in the top ranks in the coming weeks. But you shouldn’t always play for a draw, the German coach admitted. “If you want to win the Premier League, you have to be extraordinary. And we are right in the middle of the fight, that hasn’t changed today,” said Klopp, emphatically combative, on the Sky microphone. “Thats all I need.”