Klopp: Kop’s still heading for the top
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JURGEN KLOPP insists Liverpool will still be in the title race – regardless of what happens at Wembley today.
The Reds face a crucial test against in-form Tottenham after being cut well adrift of the two Manchester clubs in the battle for Premier League domination.
Last week’s goalless home draw against Jose Mourinho’s United and a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s rampant City indicate that Klopp isn’t yet ready to end a wait for the title that is stretching towards 28 years.
But the Kop boss does not believe that the trip to face Mauricio Pochettino (below) and his brilliant young side will make or break Liverpool’s dream.
Klopp said: “City are so strong, flying along at the top of the table and maybe people think this race is decided already.
“It is what it is. But everyone, who saw the City game, will know that there were not 20 leagues between us.
“We were quite good in the game – and lost 5-0. I know it sounds difficult to understand, but it was only after beating us that City started flying.
“They took confidence from the game and, while we have also played well since then, we haven’t got the results. Of course, that game was a RAY CLEMENCE believes that the spirit of Jurgen Klopp will, at last, provide Wembley with a Premier League spectacular. The last three league matches at Tottenham’s temporary home were turgid affairs. Burnley and Swansea both defended deep and relied on counter-attacks. Bournemouth tried the same, but were undone by Christian Eriksen’s goal in another dull affair. But former England goalkeeper Clemence (right), who has close ties to both clubs, said: “You cannot say for certain how any match will go, but I have a feeling that this will be a good, open game. “OK, so Maribor were not the best opposition against Liverpool in midweek, but that is now two clean sheets inside four days and they scored seven! If there was one thing you could say about Jurgen’s side this season, it is they have no trouble creating chances. It is putting them away that has been the problem. “But they showed against Maribor that they can score goals – and now they have to take the same attacking form to the Premier League. “For all the possession and shots at goal they had in the 0-0 against Manchester United, David De Gea only had to make one really top save. “On Tuesday, Liverpool showed us that they remembered where the goal is.” But Clemence warned: “Tottenham have got better. Central defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have been solid – and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is one of the best around.”