Klopp not looking on the Bright side, Reds
JURGEN KLOPP warned his Liverpool players that it won’t be easy to seal a top-four finish against Brighton at Anfield next Sunday.
And he told Chelsea that their last-day trip to Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle won’t be a holiday.
Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Liverpool ensured the three-team battle for the final two Champions League spots will go into the final week of the season.
Liverpool and Tottenham are in pole position but Chelsea are just two points behind Spurs and three behind the Reds after Olivier Giroud’s first-half winner downed Klopp’s Champions League finalists.
Tottenham have home games this week against Newcastle and Leicester while Chelsea round off their campaign by hosting Huddersfield before travelling to St James’ Park.
Victory against Brighton in their last game on Sunday should be enough for Liverpool due to their superior goal difference.
Last season Liverpool needed to beat Middlesbrough on the final day of the season to clinch a top-four slot and it’s the same story 12 months on.
Klopp (above) said: “That’s my life. Always going to the last day... Middlesbrough last season were already relegated.
“But I saw Brighton against Manchester United on Friday and they don’t look like an easy game. They were really good that night. But it’s football. If you want guarantees, do something different.
“Chelsea have to win their games as well. Newcastle is not a holiday trip.
“What did I want when I woke up? 3-0 win, enjoy the sun, then forget about Brighton and prepare for the final. Did I think it would happen? Not sure.” Chelsea were 10 points off the top four a month ago but four straight league wins combined with a slump from Tottenham has kept them in with a shout.
Blues boss Antonio Conte said: “One month ago it was impossible to imagine we’d arrive at the end to fight for a place in the Champions League.
“We are getting three points in every game while our opponents are dropping points. Our future is not in our hands but we have to try to put pressure on the teams ahead of us.”