Not in a ‘normal season’
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that during a normal season Liverpool would not be so far behind Manchester City as they currently sit, which is a total of 16 points.
Liverpool have lost 6 games so far this year in comparison to City’s 2. Leicester City’s 3-1 win over the Reds effectively ended any last hopes Klopp had of defending the title. However, the German coach has offered a reason for their plight this year.
“We cannot do more than be the best version of ourselves and that is what we will try again as a team,” said Klopp.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT )Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool collides with Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 17, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The loss of so many key players has hampered the club’s ability to challenge but the signing of Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies on Deadline Day could have occurred much sooner in January where the Reds dropped so many points through defensive errors.
Guardiola explains crazy league
Guardiola has once again tempered expectations of his side who are currently league favourites to lift the Premier League title at the end of the season.
He explained to the media ahead of their meeting with Arsenal how fine the margins are and how quickly things can change.
“I am going to explain you something. 10 days ago we played at Anfield. We were seven points in front. Losing we would have been four. 10 days later we are 16 points in front of Liverpool,” he said.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (l) and Pep Guardiola react during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“That means in just 10 days absolutely everything can change. We could have been four, but we have 16. The best thing is to focus on the next game, don’t listen much to what people have to say about the team.”
“Of course, we are so proud of what we have done so far but we are in February. Springtime is not here – and you win titles in the summertime.”
Manchester City have not experienced the same level of injury problems as Liverpool and having the strength in depth, should they face any issues, they can deal with them more efficiently.
For example, the loss of Kevin De Bruyne for the most part of the early stages of 2021 have been covered by the excellent form of Ilkay Gundogan.
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan has to leave the pitch with an injury before being substituted during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday February 13, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Images via Getty Images)
The German international himself got injured when he scored two goals and won a penalty against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but the Portuguese international Bernardo Silva stepped up in midweek to fill the attacking midfield void left by both Gundogan and De Bruyne.
The injured pair are both expected to be available for the weekend however.
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Not in a ‘normal season’Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that during a normal season Liverpool would not be so far behind Manchester City as they currently sit, which is a total of 16 points.Liverpool have lost 6 games so far this year in comparison to City’s 2. Leicester City’s 3-1 win over the RedsFootball (soccer) greatest goals and highlights | 101 Great Goals – Feed