By Samuel A. MAY 7, 2023
Liverpool’s return to form in the final weeks of the 2022/23 Premier League season could secure Jurgen Klopp’s side a vital European qualification place. The Reds’ title hopes vanished due to their losing streak after midseason break for the 2022 World Cup, with just one point picked up from their first four league outings of 2023. However, they have rallied since the start of April, powered by the brilliance of Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, to force themselves back into the conversation for a European spot.
Klopp would still need to oversee a flawless run-in if Liverpool are to clinch a top four spot and a place in the Champions League, but if his team can maintain their positive momentum, they should at least be confident of reaching the top six. Klopp is doubtful that Liverpool will secure Champions League qualification as fourth placed Manchester United are unlikely to slip up in their last five matches of the Premier League season.
“Other teams are in much better positions, as long as they win games we have no chance,” Jurgen said ahead of Saturday’s clash against ninth placed Brentford. “We have to keep teams behind us. We have 59 points and United has 63, so we can get 71 maximum [at the end of the season]. United needs eight points in five, from 15 and I think they will do that. We have enough to do with ourselves. Brentford is a difficult game to play. We can control the whole game theoretically and one set piece can kill you.” However, Klopp said they will squeeze everything out from the remainder of the season.
Overhauling United over the final few matches looks to be a difficult task for Liverpool, but it is not impossible if they continue their winning run and Man United or Newcastle United stumble. The most difficult obstacle appears to be United dropping enough points to allow Liverpool to take advantage, with all of the Red Devils’ remaining games coming against teams in the bottom half of the table.
The last time Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League came at the end of that first 2015/16 campaign, with Klopp appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after a poor start to the season. Liverpool finished 8th in the Premier League that year. It’ll be quite a significant drop to them, considering how imperious they’ve been over the years, but at the same time, it’ll be an achievement for them, with their poor performances so far this season especially to start the season
