Friday 12 May 2017 07:12, UK
Jurgen Klopp has claimed Liverpool are not far behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and can challenge them next year, despite the 14-point gap between the sides this season.
The Reds beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge back in September, though that result was before Blues boss Antonio Conte adopted the 3-4-3 system which has seen the club storm to the brink of the title.
Liverpool currently sit third in the league table, having played a game more than the three sides directly below them: Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Despite failing to challenge for the title this season, Liverpool do have the best record against the other teams in the top six having not lost a game and picked up 20 points from a possible 30 against their direct rivals, and Klopp feels they are not far away from the top.
"You have to look at the games we played against Chelsea," Klopp said.
"We were not worse than 14 points that is for sure but they are experienced, cold as ice and they get the points. They play very serious and finish when they have to finish.
"We all know the gap is not that big but the gap was big enough.
"Chelsea deserved the title but I've said already they had most luck with injuries. Diego Costa? Did he miss one game? Eden Hazard one game? Pedro could play, Willian could play, their defensive line could play.
"You need this luck and then you go through. I don't say we could have gone through but the gap could have been closer.
"It's not just about Chelsea. You saw how we played against Tottenham. But we will all have a different season next year."
Having drawn 0-0 at home to Southampton last time out, Liverpool are somewhat stumbling towards a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
"Everything is still in our hands," added Klopp. "It shows a lot of things are not that bad even if not everything is how we wanted.
"When we talk about our games it seems they are the most difficult even when some say they are the most easy.
"All the teams have to play tough games and no-one wins all of them. Now we have to win ours and it will be fine.
"This is a little bit our situation. We think we have to win all the time because the rest win. The rest do not win all the time but we always feel under pressure.
"A week ago we thought we had to win all three. Now we know a draw and a win could be enough depending on other results.
"That is the situation so let's feel the opportunity together."
