Klopp calls for a reality check as he chases titles
JURGEN KLOPP has warned his players not to squander their second chance as he sets his sights on taking Liverpool back to Wembley. Liverpool are favourites to reach the EFL Cup final and extend their proud history in this competition — they have won it eight times, their first success coming in 1981.
But they must overcome a first-leg deficit, as they did in 2001 (against Crystal Palace) and 2003 (Sheffield United). On both occasions they went on to lift the trophy.
Klopp, however, is intelligent enough to know this second leg would have been inconsequential had it not been for a combination of missed chances from Southampton’s Nathan Redmond and fine goalkeeping from Loris Karius.
Liverpool, really, should have left St Mary’s a fortnight ago without a prayer rather than simply reflecting on a 1-0 defeat.
Since the turn of the year, Liverpool have lost their way and won only once — at Plymouth in an FA Cup replay — in six matches in all competitions but Klopp is not allowing himself to get distracted. He is adamant the situation is not far from turning in their favour.
Klopp said: ‘For me, it’s not like this. I’m full of energy, full of power. I was really disappointed after the last game but that is all. We have the next opportunity against Southampton. Let’s fight for this, the next game against Wolves in the FA Cup and then Chelsea is coming.
‘We knew we wanted to get to the final. We wanted to win the competition last year when we reached the final. Our brain functions well enough to remember this. We went there very comfortable. Of course we want to be part of the final but don’t just want that, we want to go and win it. The first step is to beat Southampton.’
But would that be enough? Liverpool, after all, threatened to become serious players in the title race after they beat Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, only for their form to desert them. It has led to feelings of frustration developing among supporters, who fear an opportunity has been lost.
The manager, however, is adamant that this campaign can be rated as positive whatever happens and still offers much potential. ‘Who thought that this season we had to be champions otherwise we cannot enjoy the season? How can I help this person? How?’ asked Klopp.
‘What can I do? We’re still close enough to fight for nearly everything.
‘OK, if Chelsea win then we cannot fight but for the rest we can. Let’s judge it when it’s done.
‘Who can deal with a run like Chelsea have been on? We played them once and beat them so we’re not responsible for their position. We did what we could until now.
‘If you allow the circumstances to have that influence on yourself then it’s pretty difficult for me.’