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| Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates their sides victory after the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on May 17, 2022 in Southampton, England. |
Jurgen Klopp classed Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League title as “not likely but possible” after 2-1 victory over Southampton on Tuesday night moved them within a point of leaders Manchester City.
It means the fate of the title race remains in City’s own hands; if they win on Aston Villa, they will be crowned champions for the fourth time in five years, with Liverpool’s victory in 2020 the only interruption.
The Reds looked as though they might have conceded the league early when a second-string line-up went down 1-0 to Southampton early on, but goals from Takumi Minamino and Joel Matip turned that result around and ensured they would have one eye on Aston Villa’s visit to the Etihad on Sunday.
“It is possible, not likely but possible. That is enough,” said Klopp.
“Of course it is unlikely because City play at home against Aston Villa, who play only on Thursday. It will be tough against Burnley, they fight for survival.
“But it is football. I think the time when City became champion [in 2019] it was because of 11 millimetres.”
That particular margin refers to John Stones’ clearance off the line for City against Liverpool. The Goal Decision System showed the defender a shot just in time to keep the score at 0-0. City went on to win 2-1 and claim the title four months later by just a point.
“If someone wants us to be champion then we have to win first and Aston Villa need to get a point at City,” Klopp added.
“We all know. We never gave up. We’ll give it a try.
“It’s our home game, last home game of season. The atmosphere will be outstanding. We’ll try to use it.
“We have to do our job. Football is a tricky game sometimes. Aston Villa play on Thursday and then Sunday. We’ll see but you have to focus on yourselves.”
