Jurgen Klopp has played down Liverpool’s title hopes after their defeat on the weekend against Arsenal.
Since arriving at Liverpool in 2015, Klopp has brought the Reds back among Europe’s elite. He has guided his side to one league title, one Champions League, one FA Cup, and one Carabao Cup.
Having finished just one point off the summit last season, the Merseyside club were expected to be one of the leading contenders for the Premier League title once again. However, things haven’t gone as planned so far.
From eight league outings, they have won just twice. The loss against Arsenal left them in tenth place, 14 points behind their opponents and 13 off defending champions Manchester City.
And, with 30 games remaining, Klopp has admitted defeat in the title race. Speaking after the game at the Emirates Stadium, as quoted by Sky Sports, the German said: “We’re not in the title race.
“We have problems at the moment, but we have to continue. In a situation like ours, we will go out there and fight. We are not here for being happy with the situation and thinking about last year.”
Part of the problem for Liverpool has been the underwhelming performances of some of their top stars. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk have been singled out for criticism, while three-time Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah has struck only twice so far.
Things don’t get much easier for them in the league. Their next fixture comes against Man City, who are the only side in England who remain unbeaten.
Instead, they may look to prioritise the Champions League and domestic competitions. They sit second in their Champions League group, with games against Rangers, Ajax, and Napoli to come. Meanwhile, they will face Derby County in the Carabao Cup next month.
