I DO NEED THIS PRESSURE ON
Klopp says Champions League push brings out the best in Reds
JURGEN KLOPP claims he “loves” the nerve-shredding pressure of fighting for a Champions League spot.
Liverpool have buckled at key moments during the last three seasons to cost themselves silverware and a top-four finish, most painfully in the 2014 title race.
The Reds, locked in a tense battle with Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League, showed distinct signs of nerves when they stumbled against Crystal Palace 11 days ago.
But three away wins on the bounce suggest they are learning to handle the pressure.
“We have pressure, yes,” said Klopp. “But pressure at the end of the season means you fight for something.
“This kind of pressure I really love. To fight for something means you are in a good position. We should start trying to think about things positively – the world is serious enough.”
Klopp wants Liverpool to remain focused after their vital win at Watford on Monday and seize the opportunity they have created for themselves.
“We won at Watford and that was very important,” said the German.
“Now we play Southampton on Sunday. Does anybody think we already have the three points? It’s not like this. We have to work for it, that’s what we should do. In the end you get what you deserve. But right now we have the chance to fight for it.” Liverpool’s top-four push has been boosted by the form of Brazilian midfielder Lucas, who has answered Klopp’s challenge to be more creative. He has three assists in his last five Premier League starts, including setting up Emre Can’s stunner against Watford. That equals the assist tally of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Riyad Mahrez and is the same number he managed in his previous 163 top-flight games.
The 30-year-old (left) is delighted with his unexpected role in Liverpool’s Champions League push and said: “I’m trying to improve and add these things to my game.
“Hopefully next will come goals, but I know what the manager wants from me and he wants me to improve on assists.
“I think I’ve been doing well on assists, so that’s quite good.”