KLOPP: NO GUARANTEES
LIVERPOOL BOSS WARY AHEAD OF SPARTAK MOSCOW CLASH, DESPITE REDS BEING ON BRINK OF PROGRESS
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp accepts that there are no guarantees his side will progress to the Champions League knockout stages – despite the odds being stacked in their favour.
An Anfield draw against Spartak Moscow in tonight’s final group match would be enough to put them through, while a win would ensure they top the section. But Klopp is taking nothing for granted.
Three years ago, the Reds needed to win at home to Basel to progress, but a draw dropped Brendan Rodgers’ side into the Europa League.
Klopp is keen for the focus to avoid a similar slip-ups after conceding a three-goal half-time lead away to Sevilla last time out saw them miss out on early qualification.
“We are only part of the Champions League because we want to go to the next round,” he said as Liverpool look to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2009.
“All good and bad things that happened in the Champions League – mostly good – has brought us to this situation and if we win we are through and that is cool.
“I know a lot of people might think we should be already through, but that’s not life, it is not ‘if ’ and ‘when’ it is about the moment. Spartak could say the same as they gave away four points against Maribor, so they’d be in a different situation.
“We are stronger than we were when we played them, but they are stronger as well, in a good moment in the league, and they have some very important offensive players back, so it will be an exciting game.
“You don’t have guarantees in life, but if you don’t try all you get nothing, so let’s try all and we will see where it leads us to.”
Klopp insists he will play his strongest team despite Sunday’s looming Premier League derby against an Everton side buoyed by the appointment of Sam Allardyce.
That starting XI is likely to include playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who continues to be surrounding by speculation of a renewed bid from Barcelona after the Catalan club’s failure to sign him in the summer.
Klopp is also optimistic of having Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez back to bolster his defence. Both were ill last week, with the former barely fit enough for Saturday’s 5-1 win at Brighton and Gomez not even making the squad.
“They are much better. Ragnar and Joe are back – Joel Matip not and Adam Lallana not,” he said.
Forward Sadio Mane is expected to return after being rested against the Seagulls. He is targeting a victory to progress as group winners.
“For us, it is very important. It is still possible so we will try and do it,” he said.
“Every game is important for us. We are improving every single game.”