Klopp vows Liverpool ‘won’t go away’ in race for the title

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists his side delivered the important message that no one will get rid of them in the Premier League title race after victory over Burnley.

The Reds overcame a controversial opening goal by Ashley Westwood to run out 4-2 winners, leaving them only a point off leaders Manchester City.

“We have only to make sure that we stay in the really interesting competition on top of the table,” said Klopp. “The message from today is that nobody gets rid of us if we play as we played today.

“We had the perfect mixture of fighting the opponent, fighting the circumstances and playing football. That was really good and I liked it.

“We have no problem with confidence. We didn’t have a problem after the Everton game [a goalless draw the previous Sunday]. You [the media] make a big fuss if we score five, then we are the best attacking side in the world, and we score nil and then we have an offensive problem. Today Mo Salah for me was the best player on the pitch and he didn’t score.

“We have no problem with confidence. We are in a good moment.”

Westwood’s goal direct from a corner stood despite James Tarkowski appearing to foul goalkeeper Alisson. Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane each scored twice for Liverpool, the latter moments after Johan Berg Gudmundsson pulled a goal back in added time.

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is confident his side will claim a top-four place despite a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves.

Eden Hazard’s goal in the second minute of stoppage time cancelled out Raul Jimenez’s opener as Chelsea moved to within four points of Tottenham in the four-way battle for two Champions League qualification places.

“When you have to play only ten matches, every match you’re not able to win is a missed opportunity,” Sarri said. “In the last six, we won four and drew the other two. So there is a little consistency in this moment. We have one match in hand, so we have to have be confident.”