Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that it will be a challenge in regaining momentum in the Premier League title race.
The Reds were at some point ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City but they have since stumbled, dropping points in two of their last four league games (D1, L1) which has seen them drop to third on the table, three points behind leaders, the Gunners.
Klopp, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season, took full responsibility for Liverpool’s dip in form, particularly their previous game against Merseyside rivals Everton which ended in a 2-0 defeat.
“It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s part of the job. I can’t remember ever being as disappointed or frustrated after a game like I was after Everton,” Klopp said ahead of Saturday’s visit to West Ham United.
“I’ve unfortunately lost a lot of games in my life, but it was special. We were not there. You see the other two (Arsenal and Manchester City) playing very positive football, high results, but we are where we are because in this precise area, we don’t play positive football.
“I blame myself for that – 100%. I don’t know why or how it happened, but I’m responsible for the mood the team is in, and this team was not. In general, like I said, we don’t play positive football. It always feels in the end, we are always catching up with something.”
The German tactician added: “I cannot sit here and say [Manchester City and Arsenal] still feel us around. I think even Arsenal and City see it as a two-horse race. We might have to say something else publicly, but they don’t expect for themselves to lose two games from now on, I don’t think so.
“I don’t expect them to do that. If they do it, then we would be completely silly if we were not around. So, I don’t think it will happen but if it happens, then we should be there. That means we have to win our games – starting with West Ham.”
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Fellowing the West Ham game, Liverpool will face Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers before the Premier League finally comes to a close.