It has been a tough stretch for Liverpool FC in recent weeks. The Reds have been put to the test between injuries, COVID-19, and the AFCON departures. However, the club’s dominant Premier League performance over Brentford has manager Jürgen Klopp in good spirits.
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻, 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀! 🔴🔴 pic.twitter.com/dXOw6ZGwi7
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 16, 2022
So good of spirits that when questioned over the team’s ability to be atop of the table of season’s end after the match, he had the following to say:
"“We don’t have to convince those outside. If they want to believe, they will. If you are with us, you will enjoy the ride and we will go for everything. We try to do our part, the rest we have nothing to do with it.”"
His focus is in the right place, as Liverpool is the only one that can control their destiny and need not worry about external speculation. However, speaking of outside speculation, another EPL manager still views the Reds as the greatest threat to his team’s path to the title.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has more concern over Liverpool than Chelsea.
Manchester City has a comfortable 11 point lead over the second-place Reds in the table. However, City manager Pep Guardiola knows that if there is one team that can threaten the title – it is Klopp’s side. So after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of third-place Chelsea FC, he made the following claim.
"“In January, no one is champion. We can think about Chelsea but Liverpool have one game in hand against Leeds and if they win it will be eight points. Eight points in January is nothing.” via -Liverpool Echo"
His words ring true as there is still plenty of season left, and for LFC things, an excellent upcoming stretch bodes well for them.
Liverpool has a relatively favorable stretch of opponents for the next month.
Talking EPL matches strictly, here are the Reds next four opponents:
Crystal Palace (away) – January 23rd
Leicester City (home) – February 10th
Burnley (away) – February 13th
Norwich City (home) – February 19th
The last two teams of that four-game stretch are currently in relegation territory and have been losers in three out of their past five league matches. Crystal Palace sits in 11th place but were losers in their first outing against the LFC this season. Leicester City proves to be the most difficult of the group as they defeated the Reds 1-0 last month and took a Carabao Cup match to penalties. However, should Liverpool hold on during this stretch, their AFCON counterparts can return to assist in a late-season run at the title.