Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is determined to enjoy the closing stages of the Premier League title race, for all its twists and turns, in what will be his final season at Anfield. The Reds came back from conceding an early goal against Brighton on Sunday to win 2-1, thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.
With Manchester City and Arsenal playing out a goalless draw, Liverpool are now two points clear at the top of the table with nine matches left to play. Liverpool’s run-in includes games against Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa – sixth, fifth and fourth respectively.
Klopp’s men and their title rivals could all well drop points between now and the end of the season but the German boss is relishing a tense time in the campaign. “We have to get through this (and) we decide if we enjoy it or not, pretty much,” he said.
“It will be tough and yes, it is sometimes nerve-wracking and the heart rate will be at 180 or 200 or whatever from time to time if you watch it or if you play in it. But if we all together enjoy this, then we have a chance. If we don’t, we still have a chance, it’s just really much more difficult and that’s why we try to stay positive in all these moments.”
Klopp added: “It is a great situation where the boys brought us in, we are there with two other teams fighting for the biggest prize in English football and we will see how it will end up. But I decided I will really try hard to enjoy it.”
Liverpool’s victory over Brighton owed much to Alexis Mac Allister, who was outstanding against his former club with the Argentina international’s pass setting up Salah for the winning goal.
“Mac Allister was incredible – absolutely incredible – but when you have that kind of talent, when you have that kind of character, then you should show it,” added Klopp. “It’s Mac Allister, he can do that – so do it. The boys are good, so show it. Yes, I am the biggest fan of these boys but I stopped being surprised if they really perform on the highest level because it is just what I want them to do and then when they do it it’s fine.”
Liverpool have now won seven league games this season after conceding first, and Klopp said his side have come a long way in developing their collective mental strength. “When I talk about being nervous as a whole unit, we were more nervous years ago,” the German said.
“That’s long ago but it is something we had to develop together ... If we all together enjoy this, then we have a chance. If we don’t, we still have a chance, it’s just really more difficult and that’s why we try to stay positive in all these moments.”
Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on March 31, 2024. Liverpool wins 2 - 1 against Brighton and Hove Albion. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /