Klopp calls for ‘strong finish’ after City loss

Jurgen Klopp insists results remain important to him in Liverpool’s closing games.

Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City on Thursday in their first match since securing the Premier League title.

It was a sobering night for the newly-crowned champions but, with a 20-point lead at the top of the table, it had no damaging impact.

But with six games remaining, Reds boss Klopp still wants to finish strongly.

Klopp said: “If someone said the result didn’t matter for my team, I cannot help them.

“Yes results matter a lot. I am not only looking for results but we want to win football games – that is the reason we work in the training ground, go to away games and play home games.”

One motivating factor could be the challenge of beating City’s record of 100 points from two seasons ago.

Liverpool, who have dropped points in just four games this term, currently have 86 ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Aston Villa.

Klopp said: “Look, it is but we cannot force that. To get there we have to win football games and we didn’t do that on Thursday.”

A Steven MacLean running commentary became an essential part of Stevie May’s 90-minute routine in his first spell as a St Johnstone player.

And the Perth forward doesn’t expect it to be any different now that his old strike-partner will be on the touchline rather than on the pitch.

MacLean’s vocal contribution, motivating and organising, in the glory years of a Scottish Cup win and European campaigns was a key part of the Saints success story, as well as a key part of May’s personal goalscoring achievements.

The former Aberdeen man believes that influence won’t diminish now that the recently-retired attacker will be wearing a tracksuit on match days rather than a strip.

“Macca coming back in as a coach will have a huge impact on the strikers here,” said May.

“I’m sure he will be getting in our ears and the likes of Callum, Kano and me can only learn from him.

“Obviously I played with him on the park and he took charge. He will be very influential, especially working with the forwards.”

The story of May’s season last year was one of steady improvement. He ended up on seven goals for the campaign and

Results still matter for champions Liverpool, says Jurgen Klopp.