City and Manchester United has not changed much
in Liverpool's pursuit of Champions League
qualification.
The derby clash at Etihad Stadium on Thursday
finished 0-0, meaning Liverpool remain third in the
Premier League table, a point above City and two
clear of United, having played a game more.
United boss Jose Mourinho claimed afterwards that
fourth place is likely to be a straight fight between
Liverpool, Arsenal and his own side over the
closing weeks of the season.
Klopp, however, says his side simply need to focus
on their own results in their quest to return to
Europe's elite tournament.
"Last night didn't change a lot," the Liverpool boss
told a news conference. "It's all about us. We don't
have 100 per cent influence but it makes sense to
focus on your own games and win as much as you
can.
"It's interesting and exciting and we're in the
middle of it. We have to do our job four times. We
will see."
Liverpool face Watford on Monday knowing that
they could be down in fifth by the time the match
kicks off, should City win at Middlesbrough and
United beat Swansea City on Sunday.
A shock 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace has left
Liverpool needing a response but Klopp is
confident in their form away from home of late.
"I cannot change the results we had. It's the
situation. If we win, which will be difficult, we are
probably in third again. So that's all we think
about," he said.
"We won the last two away games, even if the last
result wasn't good but when I watch again it is not
easy to create chances against Palace and we did.
"We still could have won the game, that's how it is.
We will learn, we are working on strengthening the
squad, that's clear."
Klopp confirmed that Adam Lallana and Daniel
Sturridge have returned to team training and have a
chance of being involved at Vicarage Road,
although captain Jordan Henderson is still out.
He also revealed that Mamadou Sakho could be
back in action this season after the Palace
loanee's knee injury was shown to be not as
severe as first feared.
"When we saw the pictures it looked awful. But
now we know that there are no ligaments involved,"
he said of the centre-back, who picked up the
problem in the Eagles' 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.
"In a situation like this, maybe not for Palace, but
for the player the best thing he could get. I think
he's out for a few weeks but that is good in the
end."
Liverpool confirmed this week that Steven Gerrard
has taken over as manager of the Under-18 side
and Klopp is delighted with the appointment.
"Starting at a club like Liverpool is a fantastic
opportunity but not all former world-class players
are ready to do this," he added. "It's the classic
win-win situation. For the youth players it's a
fantastic opportunity to work with him.
"My door is always open, he knows that. He will be
good."
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