Jurgen Klopp has issued a warning to Liverpool’s top-four rivals, insisting that they are still close behind despite a disappointing run of results.
The Reds have won just three of their last 11 Premier League games, leaving them three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with 10 matches remaining.
However, Klopp remains optimistic about his team’s chances and has urged his players to keep believing in their ability to turn things around.
“We know that we have not been at our best in recent weeks, but we are still in the mix for the top four and that is all that matters,” he said.
“We have a talented squad and we know what we are capable of. We just need to keep working hard and believing in ourselves and I am confident that we can achieve our goals.”
Liverpool’s poor form has been attributed to a number of factors, including injuries to key players such as Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, as well as a lack of creativity in midfield.
However, Klopp has refused to make excuses and has instead focused on finding solutions to his team’s problems.
“We have had some difficult moments this season, but that is part of football,” he said.
“The important thing is that we keep working together as a team and keep pushing each other to be better.”
One of the key areas where Liverpool will need to improve if they are to secure a top-four finish is in their attack.
The Reds have struggled to score goals in recent weeks, with their top scorer this season, Mohamed Salah, failing to find the back of the net in his last seven appearances.
Klopp has acknowledged the importance of improving Liverpool’s attacking output, but has also highlighted the need for his side to be defensively solid.
“We need to score more goals, but we also need to make sure that we are not conceding too many,” he said.
“It is about finding the right balance and making sure that we are doing everything we can to help the team.”
Liverpool’s next game is against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and Klopp is expecting a tough match against Mikel Arteta’s side.
“These are the games that we live for, the ones that really get the blood pumping,” he said.
“Arsenal are a talented team with some great players, but we believe in our ability to get a result.”
Klopp’s warning to Liverpool’s top-four rivals is a clear signal that the Reds are not prepared to give up their Champions League aspirations without a fight.
With 10 games remaining, Liverpool have plenty of time to turn their season around and secure a top-four finish, but they will need to improve their performances if they are to achieve their goals.
The return of key players such as Van Dijk and Gomez will no doubt give Liverpool a boost, but Klopp will also be hoping that his attacking players can rediscover their form and start scoring goals again.
If they can do that, then Liverpool will be a force to be reckoned with in the race for the Champions League places.