Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has stressed that he will “only be satisfied” if his side secure their place in the Champions League this season.
The Reds have six games left to play before the end of a long and arduous campaign, and find themselves in a strong position in the race for a top-four finish.
With a trip to take on West Brom to come on Sunday afternoon, Liverpool are sitting third in the Premier League, two points ahead of fourth-placed Man City.
While City, Man United and Arsenal all have games in hand, last weekend’s 2-1 comeback away to Stoke City gave Klopp’s side vital leeway, stabilising their push for the Champions League.
After West Brom, Liverpool will take on Crystal Palace, Watford, Southampton, West Ham and Middlesbrough, with their rivals’ remaining fixtures decidedly tougher on paper.
This weekend, United host league leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford, and the prospect of Jose Mourinho’s side dropping points boosts the Reds’ chances.
And speaking to Sky Germany ahead of his side’s visit to the Hawthorns, Klopp insisted that finishing outside of the top four out of the question at this stage.
“I will only be satisfied if we reach the Champions League,” he explained.
“You are always under pressure, in every game there is pressure.
“You need to win all the time. I’m only satisfied when the team wins.”
Victory at the Britannia Stadium was arguably Liverpool’s most important of the season, fighting back from likely defeat to seal a priceless three points.
The introduction of goalscorers Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino at half-time in Stoke served as a reminder of the Reds’ quality.
And their ability to defeat a rigid, defensive side away from home bodes well for their final six games of the season, where they are likely to face up against a parade of parked buses.
Tony Pulis’ West Brom are notoriously well-organised, and Klopp will need to find a way through the Baggies’ low block in order to continue Liverpool’s Champions League push.
But with the German intent on securing a top-four finish, and his Brazilian forwards returning to form, they have every chance of doing so.
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