Jurgen Klopp has emphasized the necessity for Liverpool to improve their style of play in order to secure the Premier League title this season. However, he also acknowledges that a combination of setbacks for both Manchester City and Arsenal is still required for their success.
Despite leading the league from December until early April, Liverpool's recent form has been disappointing, with only four points earned out of the last 12 possible. This includes significant losses against Crystal Palace and Everton, which have hindered their progress.
Liverpool's recent elimination from both the FA Cup and Europa League within the past five weeks has shattered any dreams of a potential quadruple in Klopp's final season. They currently lag behind Arsenal, the current Premier League leaders, by three points, and could fall five points behind City once all games in hand are played. With only four matches remaining, time is ticking and the team is struggling to gain momentum.
In a post-match interview following the defeat in the Merseyside derby, Klopp addressed the media and discussed the importance of rival clubs experiencing a crisis in order for Liverpool to have a better chance at success.
Klopp stated, "For us to truly relish our opportunities, it is crucial that both City and Arsenal face challenging times and struggle to win matches. If they continue to lose games while we replicate our performance against Everton, then nothing will have changed."
He further emphasized the need for improvement by adding, "Furthermore, we cannot afford to be complacent in the Champions League. It is imperative that we elevate our football and deliver better results."
Klopp's statement regarding Liverpool's potential risk of falling out of the top four, although valid, is improbable to pose a significant issue. Tottenham Hotspur, currently in fifth place, trails by 14 points and with only 18 points left to play for, even with two games in hand. It would require an exceptional performance from them and a drastic decline at Anfield to bridge that gap in the remaining matches of the season.
The Reds have suffered four losses in their last nine matches across all competitions, contrasting with only four defeats in their previous 45 games dating back to the beginning of the season in August.
"There are various factors contributing to the decline in performance," Klopp mentioned. "Players who have been consistently playing may not be as fresh, but this is a challenge faced by other teams as well. I don't want to rely on that as an excuse - as long as the players are fit and uninjured, it makes a difference."
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