Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says his Liverpool side will still be in pursuit of an unprecedented Quartet despite seeing their Premier League title hopes hit hard on Saturday.
Klopp’s side have won the League Cup and are in the FA Cup and Champions League finals and victory over Tottenham on Saturday will increase the pressure. City of Manchester in the title race.
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But they can only draw 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur – end a 12-match winning streak at home and Man City can take a clear three points with three games remaining if they beat Newcastle United Football Club on Sunday.
Son Heung-min gave Tottenham the lead and though Luis Diaz equalizer, Liverpool’s knack for finding goals abandoned them when their attack lacked the usual efficiency.
“I’m not happy, but not as sad as the current players and it is my duty to explain why something has happened like this,” said Klopp, who beat the team. Villarreal to reach the Champions League final on Tuesday, said after a tense showdown at Anfield.
“They’re down in the dressing room, it’s very stressful. When you play against the top teams you need luck in the decisive moments.
“I’m not happy, but not as sad as the players are right now and my job is to explain why this has happened.
“That’s why it’s so hard. That’s why the Quadruple is so unlikely; there’s a reason why nobody’s done it in this country yet. We’ll move on.”
Klopp praised his players and refused to use fatigue as an excuse to lose key points but admitted he did not expect Manchester City to slip on Sunday.
“I can’t see it,” he said. “I wish I could think differently but I can’t see it.
“Our mentality was incredible and our ability to counter-attack was on another level. But we faced an opponent who was about to counter-attack with a whole week to prepare, we accepted that and that was it. It’s a draw. We’ll carry on. We haven’t been tired.”
Tottenham may have won at death when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg turn down a glorious opportunity.
Tottenham is still in fifth place, one point behind Arsenalwho plays? Leeds United on Sunday. Tottenham take on Arsenal on Thursday in what for them will be a must-win in their battle for the top four.
“Now we try to rest and recover because on Thursday we have another important game against Arsenal,” said coach Antonio Conte. “There are only three games left that will be crucial to getting the points for a Champions League spot.”
