Liverpool’s head coach Jurgen Klopp is keeping his cool after a nervy 2-1 victory over West Ham United in their Premier League clash. Despite extending their winning streak to three matches, Klopp played down suggestions that his side is in the race for the top four.
The Reds were initially caught off guard by Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paqueta’s stunning opener for the Hammers in the first half, but Cody Gakpo responded in kind with his own long-range strike to draw the visitors level. The game remained on a knife-edge, with Jarrod Bowen’s goal ruled out for offside, before Joel Matip’s bullet header turned the tie on its head for the Reds.
The win propelled Liverpool to sixth place in the table, although they remain six points behind Manchester United – who have two games in hand – in the final Champions League spot. With the Red Devils looking to extend their lead to nine points with victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Ryan Mason’s side could push Liverpool down to seventh place with at least a draw.
Klopp, however, is not buying into the top-four race hype, saying, “I can’t see the race yet, I can’t. That’s because we are not in the position for a race. So the only thing we can do is winning football games.” The German tactician added that he is only focused on ending a tumultuous campaign with a flourish.
While Liverpool survived a late penalty shout, Klopp said his side were still worthy winners on the night. Meanwhile, match-winner Matip made his 11th Premier League start of the season, filling in for Ibrahima Konate, who missed out due to a niggle. Klopp, however, expects the Frenchman to return to the fold soon.
With Tottenham up next at Anfield for Sunday’s crunch clash, Liverpool will have three full days to recover before the game. Klopp will undoubtedly be pushing his players to continue their winning ways as they look to finish the season on a high note.
