Jurgen Klopp says it will be “super difficult” for Liverpool to win the Premier League title after surrendering top spot to Arsenal this weekend.
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Sunday leaves them behind Arsenal on goal difference and just a point above third-placed Manchester City, with just seven games remaining for all three title contenders.
Klopp says, however, that trying to improve Arsenal’s goal difference in the remaining matches would be unwise and that he is “absolutely fine” with his side being second at this stage of the season.
“Look, you’ll tell us – and the world, our supporters too [Arsenal] we have the best goal difference and now we have to go for it,” said Klopp.
“That would be the stupidest thing we can do. It doesn’t happen on purpose. You don’t win a game and you want to score eight goals and it happens.
“We are who we are, we are who we are and that’s why we’re in the race and I’m absolutely fine with that. I knew it was going to be very difficult until the end. That’s all. Again, until yesterday, we were top of the table and now it’s Arsenal.
“We want to be there after 38 [games], after the last matchday. It’s always better to be there all the time and have some distance between you [and the other teams]. We are fine with our situation. I wish we had more points but I’m absolutely fine – and I’m actually over the moon these boys have brought us to this situation. The same boys who missed a few chances today are the boys who got us 71 points, so I’m absolutely fine with that.”
“Arsenal will beat United”
Klopp expects more upsets in the title race. All three teams are yet to face Tottenham, while Arsenal travel to Manchester United in the penultimate week of the season.
The Liverpool manager says, however, that Arsenal will “100 per cent” beat Manchester United if the Red Devils play like they did against Liverpool when they conceded 28 shots.
“It’s a lot harder for us than all the other teams. Usually you come to United and people care a little more or a little less, but when we come it’s obvious the fight is on, so that’s difficult,” he said.
“We dealt with it very well, we’ve now played two games and got a point and we got beat [of the FA Cup] but in all the time since I’ve been here I don’t think we’ve dominated United like we did in those two games. But we didn’t get the result, so that’s what it is, so obviously there’s room for improvement. We knew that anyway and we will continue with what we have, but now we are playing Europa League.
“If we’re still around [in the title race in Matchweek 37] this will be great. Arsenal are a good team. If Manchester United play like they did today, Arsenal will win this game. I’m 100 percent sure. I’m really sorry to say it but it’s a fact. We should have won both games [against Man Utd] and we didn’t. This is our fault.”