Former Liverpool star and pundit Mark Lawrenson has shot down any doubts over Jurgen Klopp’s future at Anfield as he predicts what could be the “best ever” title race in the Premier League.
The Reds leapfrogged Manchester City to lead the top flight heading into the international break, Pep Guardiola’s side with a game in hand due to their cup outings, and with two points in it Klopp knows his side’s hopes are not all in their own hands.
Predicting that it will be City who end up lifting the trophy, Lawrenson has stated that a league title is not what will determine whether the German boss stays or goes.
He told Premier League productions, as quoted by the Express: “If I was a betting man, and you know that I’m not, I would have a pound on Manchester City winning it. Everyone says you’ve got easier fixtures, well they’re only easy if you’re playing well. They’ve got both Tottenham, this weekend, and Chelsea at home.
“If Tottenham and Chelsea come and play really well, you could see them both nicking a point. But the way they’re playing the two of them, the points count between the two of them will be sensational by the time the season finishes, probably the best ever.
“Obviously everyone’s fully aware now 1990 was the last time Liverpool won the title. It’s brought up every year and it’s ‘Does Klopp need to win a trophy to keep his job?’. No, as long as he gets in the Champions League positions which he already is. It’s not an issue.”
Opinion
Anyone doubting whether Klopp should remain in charge at Liverpool after this season needs to give their heads a wobble. The Reds have been magnificent and were it not for them City could well already have the title wrapped up with a neat little bow. They have gone toe to toe with one of the best squads the Premier League has seen in recent history and are still in with a chance of sealing the glory they crave so much at the end of the season. Finishing second would be bitterly disappointing but by no means a failure on Klopp’s behalf – he has done immensely well just to see his side push City as far as they have done. This has been one of the best title battles that the top flight has seen for some time and it promises to go all the way to the final day of the season at this rate.
