Jurgen Klopp’s mentality monsters! It’s a phrase that has been regularly associated with Liverpool over the years.
It has resulted in many magical moments, including Liverpool winning the Premier League title after 30 years and the European Cup.
Well, that mental strength and fearless character is now needed more than ever before after a difficult week for the club.
Last Sunday, Liverpool and Arsenal shot themselves in the foot by losing their respective games and handing the initiative to Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
They then bowed out of Europe in midweek, with the Reds winning the second-leg encounter against Atalanta, but losing 3-1 on aggregate.
Arsenal themselves were booted out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, but they beat Wolves 2-0 on Saturday evening to go top of the table.
And now it’s time for those on Merseyside to respond!
Following that win for the Gunners, they are, according to Opta’s stats, second favourites to become champions at 18%.
Liverpool have a 12% chance according to the analytics company, whilst the current champions are well in front and have a 70% chance.
This was touched upon by presenter Kelly Cates who stated that Jamie Redknapp has ‘issues’ with such data and how it has ‘become personal now’, as she laughed on Sky Sports Premier League (20/04/24 at 10:05 pm).
The former midfielder added that the 70% chance of Man City winning the title ‘shouldn’t be the case’ and Liverpool now have to respond at Fulham because they are the ones who are having to ‘work the hardest’ from the title-chasing trio.
Premier League title race
Kelly Cates: “You look at that 70%. I know you have issues with the super-computer. It has become personal now, but they have got Man City at 70%.”
Redknapp added: “If they are going to base it on what has gone before, by the magic of TV, we are going to show what Man City did in the corresponding fixtures earlier in the season and it’s actually not good, so that 70% probably shouldn’t be the case – they only have to draw a game. They aren’t purring the same way as last year – anything can happen. Liverpool have to try and hang in there. If you look at the three teams, they are the ones who are having to work the hardest to stay there. Arsenal have picked it up. Can Liverpool go to Fulham and ask the question of Manchester City?”
“I still think Man City,” responded Redknapp about who will win the title this season. “I don’t think it’s going to be straightforward. I don’t think it’s a case of Man City are going to win all their remaining games.”
Liverpool against Fulham at Craven Cottage
One more trophy remains for Klopp to win before he bows out.
Let’s be honest, going by the squad, the team and manager are ahead of schedule given the changes that were made in the summer.
But given that Klopp is going to leave, then it has sped up everything and made the need to win the title even more urgent.
This is where the big-name players need to step up. From Mohamed Salah to Virgil van Dijk.
Yes, destiny is in the hands of others, but beat Fulham, win your remaining games and, at the very least, the title will go to the final day of the season.