Champions League qualification would make season a success, insists Jurgen Klopp April 18 2021, 10.31pm
Jurgen Klopp said qualifying for the Champions League would be enough to make Liverpool’s season a success (Laurence Griffiths/PA)
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool’s season should still be seen as a success if they finish in the Premier League’s top four to secure a Champions League place.
The Reds’ hopes in Europe this year were brought to an end by Real Madrid on Wednesday night, while their title defence was undone by a run of six defeats in seven during February and March.
They still face an uphill task to get back into the top four, needing to overhaul two of Chelsea, West Ham and Leicester, but, given the devastating injuries Liverpool have suffered this season, doing so would still rank as an achievement.
Chelsea were languishing in ninth position on the back of just two league victories from eight games when Lampard was sacked on January 25. The picture is already looking considerably rosier. Having conceded only once in five matches since, they have rocketed to fourth spot, above defending champions Liverpool and just four points adrift of second-placed Manchester United.
What has Tuchel changed?
Reminiscent of the system favoured by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, Tuchel has implemented a 3-4-2-1 formation, to great effect. Attacking players are pressing without leaving gaping holes, while the team appears more organised and to have a clearer understanding of individual roles. A calamitous own goal from Antonio Rudiger against Sheffield United is the only blot on the copybook of Tuchel’s tightened defence.