Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp promises to keep heat on Man City in Premier League finale
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists his side will not stop in its pursuit of Manchester City and trophies whatever the outcome of the title race this weekend.
The Reds face Wolves at the weekend needing to better City’s result against Aston Villa, managed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, to claim a record-equalling 20th championship and a domestic treble.
They also have a Champions League final reunion with Real Madrid in Paris on May 28 but even if they miss out on one or both Klopp says his side will not go away next season.
“Whatever happens on Sunday we will not stop. We will not stop trying,” he said.
“Yes, we have the best opponent in world football, which is a bit of a shame, but they have us in their neck, which is not too cool as well. So let’s see.”
💬 What the #PL title-chasing managers have to say before the big day… pic.twitter.com/q5pe87CAcA
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Klopp believes they have the psychological advantage as the Premier League trophy is City’s to lose, having been frontrunners for so long.
The finale is uncannily similar to that of 2019 when Liverpool was pipped to the title by City despite a record points haul (97) for a runner-up before a victorious Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid.
On that occasion Klopp’s side, which reduced a 14-point deficit in January to one point, were second favourites and he sees it similarly now.
“I cannot talk about pressure for the other team but it’s like this for us: There is no pressure,” he added.
“I have no reason to think why Man City wouldn’t but the situation is different. Ours is full throttle, give it a try and let’s see what the outcome is.”
City’s Fernandinho will bid farewell after nine mostly successful years.
The 37-year-old has won four Premier League titles, six League Cups and one FA Cup since his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.
Champions League success has eluded him, with last year’s runner-up finish the closest he has come to European glory with City, but he does have the chance to sign off with one more Premier League winner’s medal.
Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal will not suffer a hangover next season if it misses out on Champions League qualification.
The Gunners host Everton knowing even an emphatic victory may not be enough to clinch fourth spot if rivals Tottenham claim the point it requires away to already-relegated Norwich.
Arsenal appeared in the driving seat following key wins over Chelsea and Manchester United last month, but back-to-back defeats to Spurs and Newcastle mean the Gunners look set to settle for fifth in the table.
At the bottom of the table it’s a relegation dogfight between Leeds United and Burnley.
Leeds is equal on points with Burnley but is in the drop zone by virtue of an inferior goal difference.
It is away at Brentford while Burnley host Newcastle.
-PA