Liverpool will return to the summit if they avoid defeat against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday and confident manager Jurgen Klopp believes his side’s outstanding form will come to their rescue.
The Reds are currently second in the Premier League on goal difference behind champions Manchester City, who have played a game more.
Klopp says his Liverpool side are ready for an “outstanding last period of the season” as they look to secure their first league title for 29 years.
Defeat by United would be a desperate blow – but Klopp is adamant he can’t worry about the consequences of losing. Instead, he wants the occasion to inspire a grandstand finish to the campaign.
Klopp is all too aware of the size of Sunday’s game but is confident his players are fully prepared.
“Everybody knows in football that Manchester United against Liverpool is one of the biggest games in world football. We have to prepare for that and still play a game,” said Klopp.
“I think we are in really good shape to be honest. We have had our little problems two, three weeks ago when we drew twice, but we have a chance to play an outstanding last period of the season, with one of the most difficult games as the start of the last period.
“We have to be ready for all of them. Now it is a really big one, I know that, I respect that. You think it is only a big game for Manchester United? If you go in our dressing room they are all long enough here, that’s the massive thing.”
People are already suggesting this is the pivotal moment in Liverpool’s title quest, with defeat leaving Manchester City on top. But Klopp dismisses that argument forcefully:
“If we would see it like a lot of people see it that it is THE game, that is too much pressure on everybody.
“You cannot do it like that. I don’t think about losing the game, but if we do then we are still level on points with Man City That is the worst thing that can happen.”