Jurgen Klopp urges Liverpool to keep pressure on after win at Leicester

LONDON – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has demanded that his team keep up the pressure on their English Premier League rivals in the last two games of the season as they make a late charge for a top-four finish.

The Reds, who have 65 points, secured Europa League football for next season after Monday’s 3-0 win at Leicester City. They sit one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United and third-placed Newcastle United, though both teams have a game in hand.

Klopp, whose side are now on a seven-game winning streak, said six weeks ago he had doubts about their chances of playing in Europe next season.

“I didn’t believe it can happen,” the German said.

“What we lacked that time was obviously consistency and there was only one chance for us to get in these situations – winning pretty much all the football games.

“All the rest is not in our own hands and we know that we have to win all the games until the end of the season to have a chance (to qualify for the Champions League).

“You wish anyway that the opponent was just losing and you have that kind of pressure off your shoulder. Our job is to keep the pressure. It’s all we can do.

“It would be a real shame if they slip and we’re not there. So we have to do our job.”

Liverpool host Aston Villa on Saturday before a trip for their final match to Southampton, whose relegation has been confirmed.

Seven years on from shocking the world to win the title, Leicester’s Premier League days look numbered as they remain two points from safety with two games remaining.

The Foxes’ defensive frailties were again exposed as a bright start from the hosts was quickly forgotten when Curtis Jones struck twice in three minutes just after the half-hour mark for Liverpool.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then rounded off another fine performance in his new hybrid role between right-back and midfield with a stunning strike.

Scoring goals has not been Leicester’s problem this season, but they looked blunt in attack as belief drained from Dean Smith’s men.

They face another daunting task when they travel to Newcastle on Monday in a match that could seal their fate should Everton or Leeds United win over the weekend.

“It’s pretty simple, we need to win our next game,” said Smith.

“It will be tough at St James’ Park. It would be nice to take the lead for once. We got beat tonight by a team who physically overran us when they got the two-goal lead. They’re a physically strong team, really good players.

“I wouldn’t question our fight today. I wouldn’t question our attitude.” REUTERS, AFP