Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has challenged his team to get up for their season-ending clash with Crystal Palace, urging the Reds to treat it as a cup final.
Despite battling significant injuries all season, Klopp's men climbed back into the top four with Wednesday's 3-0 win over Burnley and must now match Leicester's result against Tottenham on the final day if they are to seal a spot in the Champions League.
It's all to play for, with Chelsea slightly more comfortable but equally as at risk, and Klopp confessed after the game that he is well aware of just how much is riding on his side's next 90 minutes of football.
"It was a semi-final. We had to win the semi-final and we did that. 3-0. Clean sheet," Klopp told Sky Sports. "Nothing is decided yet, but we improved our position, slightly, and we have the 'final'.
"So that's what we wanted, that's what we needed and it's what the boys deserved today because it was a top, top performance.
Another big performance. Can’t wait to see fans at Anfield on Sunday. ?? https://t.co/qNuCq7ypYz
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) May 19, 2021
"We knew before the game it would be incredibly tough - they had about 3,500 people not on our side. Atmosphere in football is massive. I thought the boys dealt really well with that. They didn't get distracted - they tried to use it because noise is nice. We played a lot of good football stuff."
Klopp, who recently confessed reaching Europe this season would be his greatest accomplishment ever, admitted it was 'insane' to think that Liverpool's chances of a spot in the top four are back in their hands.
"I couldn't be more pleased," Klopp added. "It is not that we took these things for granted. February was the last time we were in the top four and we didn't win a lot of games since then.
"In the last eight or ten games, I don't know how many, we are back on track. If we win on Sunday, then we are probably qualified for the Champions League.
"It's insane that we came this close, but we are not through yet. It looks like the timing is right but it is not done yet. When you win the semi-final you go to a final and that's where we are. We will give our absolute everything."
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Source: 90min
