• WOLVES RATINGS: Rui Patricio – 6 The game was overshadowed by the 33-year-old’s head injury. He was carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Coady. The goalkeeper made good saves from Salah and Jota but might have done better for the goal. Replaced by Ruddy in stoppage time. AFP
    WOLVES RATINGS: Rui Patricio – 6 The game was overshadowed by the 33-year-old’s head injury. He was carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Coady. The goalkeeper made good saves from Salah and Jota but might have done better for the goal. Replaced by Ruddy in stoppage time. AFP
  • Romain Saiss - 5 The 30-year-old made a telling block to deny Mane but was caught out in the build-up to the goal. He sent in a great cross for Coady when the centre-back headed over. Reuters
    Romain Saiss - 5 The 30-year-old made a telling block to deny Mane but was caught out in the build-up to the goal. He sent in a great cross for Coady when the centre-back headed over. Reuters
  • Conor Coady - 5 The captain put a second-half header over the bar and sometimes looked close to being overwhelmed by Liverpool’s attack. He was clearly upset after colliding with Patricio. AFP
    Conor Coady - 5 The captain put a second-half header over the bar and sometimes looked close to being overwhelmed by Liverpool’s attack. He was clearly upset after colliding with Patricio. AFP
  • Willy Boly - 6 The Ivorian was the most composed of the back three. He was good in the air, solid at set-pieces and kept Salah under guard. AFP
    Willy Boly - 6 The Ivorian was the most composed of the back three. He was good in the air, solid at set-pieces and kept Salah under guard. AFP
  • Nelson Semedo - 6 The wingback got forward and caused problems for the champions. He might have had a penalty when he tangled with Alisson. At the other end, the 27-year-old could not contain Mane. Left the field with six minutes left when Gibbs-White was introduced. EPA
    Nelson Semedo - 6 The wingback got forward and caused problems for the champions. He might have had a penalty when he tangled with Alisson. At the other end, the 27-year-old could not contain Mane. Left the field with six minutes left when Gibbs-White was introduced. EPA
  • Ruben Neves - 6 The 24-year-old wasted an excellent chance just before Liverpool scored. His passing was neat enough but did not open up the defence. Taken off for Dendoncker with 14 minutes to go. EPA
    Ruben Neves - 6 The 24-year-old wasted an excellent chance just before Liverpool scored. His passing was neat enough but did not open up the defence. Taken off for Dendoncker with 14 minutes to go. EPA
  • Joao Moutinho - 7 The Portuguese produced a selection of penetrating passes and outshone Thiago. The 34-year-old was full of energy in midfield. AFP
    Joao Moutinho - 7 The Portuguese produced a selection of penetrating passes and outshone Thiago. The 34-year-old was full of energy in midfield. AFP
  • Jonny Otto - 5 The wingback tried to get forward but was forced back by Alexander-Arnold and Salah. Most of Liverpool’s productive work came down the Spaniard’s flank. AFP
    Jonny Otto - 5 The wingback tried to get forward but was forced back by Alexander-Arnold and Salah. Most of Liverpool’s productive work came down the Spaniard’s flank. AFP
  • Adama Traore - 6 The winger’s obvious threat was undermined by bad decisions on the ball and poor shooting. If his end product was better, Wolves might have taken the points. AFP
    Adama Traore - 6 The winger’s obvious threat was undermined by bad decisions on the ball and poor shooting. If his end product was better, Wolves might have taken the points. AFP
  • Willian Jose - 4 The Brazilian failed to make his mark on the game. He selected the wrong pass when the defence seemed to be in trouble and lacked conviction in shooting positions. Replaced by Silva with 20 minutes left. AFP
    Willian Jose - 4 The Brazilian failed to make his mark on the game. He selected the wrong pass when the defence seemed to be in trouble and lacked conviction in shooting positions. Replaced by Silva with 20 minutes left. AFP
  • Pedro Neto - 6 The winger was involved in some neat interplay with Traore but drifted out of the game for periods. There was little sign of an understanding with Willian. Reuters
    Pedro Neto - 6 The winger was involved in some neat interplay with Traore but drifted out of the game for periods. There was little sign of an understanding with Willian. Reuters
  • SUB: Fabio Silva - 5 Replaced Willian in the 70th minute. The 18-year-old had two headed chances. One lacked power and an even better opportunity bounced off his shoulder. AFP
    SUB: Fabio Silva - 5 Replaced Willian in the 70th minute. The 18-year-old had two headed chances. One lacked power and an even better opportunity bounced off his shoulder. AFP
  • SUB: Leander Dendoncker - 5 Came on for Neves with 14 minutes left but did not get involved in a way that affected the direction of the match. AFP
    SUB: Leander Dendoncker - 5 Came on for Neves with 14 minutes left but did not get involved in a way that affected the direction of the match. AFP
  • SUB: Morgan Gibbs-White - 6 The 21-year-old joined the action for Semedo in the 84th minute. He added energy and drove the team forward. AFP
    SUB: Morgan Gibbs-White - 6 The 21-year-old joined the action for Semedo in the 84th minute. He added energy and drove the team forward. AFP
  • SUB: John Ruddy - 5 Came on in stoppage time under concussion protocols after Patricio was knocked out. Saw out the final few minutes. EPA
    SUB: John Ruddy - 5 Came on in stoppage time under concussion protocols after Patricio was knocked out. Saw out the final few minutes. EPA
  • LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 5 The goalkeeper made an uncertain start and could have given away an early penalty after fumbling the ball. The Brazilian saved a Semedo shot well but was nervy on crosses. AFP
    LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 5 The goalkeeper made an uncertain start and could have given away an early penalty after fumbling the ball. The Brazilian saved a Semedo shot well but was nervy on crosses. AFP
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7 The full-back produced quality work at either end of the pitch. He showed great anticipation defensively and provided dangerous crosses. AFP
    Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7 The full-back produced quality work at either end of the pitch. He showed great anticipation defensively and provided dangerous crosses. AFP
  • Nathaniel Phillips - 7 The 23-year-old was strong in the air and made one vital headed interception. There was nothing flamboyant about his performance but he was solid . AFP
    Nathaniel Phillips - 7 The 23-year-old was strong in the air and made one vital headed interception. There was nothing flamboyant about his performance but he was solid . AFP
  • Ozan Kabak - 6 The Turk made a fine block to stop Traore but allowed himself to be sucked out of position on occasion. He gave the ball away too much but there were signs of an understanding with Phillips. AFP
    Ozan Kabak - 6 The Turk made a fine block to stop Traore but allowed himself to be sucked out of position on occasion. He gave the ball away too much but there were signs of an understanding with Phillips. AFP
  • Andrew Robertson - 5 He had a difficult night trying to deal with Traore and Semedo. The Scot was pegged back in his own half and created little. EPA
    Andrew Robertson - 5 He had a difficult night trying to deal with Traore and Semedo. The Scot was pegged back in his own half and created little. EPA
  • Fabinho - 7 Not the easiest night for the Brazilian, who was asked to do too much in midfield. He broke up attacks and was positive in possession. Reuters
    Fabinho - 7 Not the easiest night for the Brazilian, who was asked to do too much in midfield. He broke up attacks and was positive in possession. Reuters
  • Thiago Alcantara - 4 The 29-year-old was wasteful on the ball and made a number of rash tackles that culminated in a yellow card. Withdrawn for Keita in the 67th minute. Reuters
    Thiago Alcantara - 4 The 29-year-old was wasteful on the ball and made a number of rash tackles that culminated in a yellow card. Withdrawn for Keita in the 67th minute. Reuters
  • Georginio Wijnaldum - 5 The Dutchman set up a good chance for Mane in the first half but was not at his dominant best. He was replaced by Milner with 23 minutes left. Reuters
    Georginio Wijnaldum - 5 The Dutchman set up a good chance for Mane in the first half but was not at his dominant best. He was replaced by Milner with 23 minutes left. Reuters
  • Mohamed Salah - 6 The Egyptian linked brilliantly with Mane to set up the goal but endured a frustrating night with too little quality service. No one could complain about his workrate or attitude. Reuters
    Mohamed Salah - 6 The Egyptian linked brilliantly with Mane to set up the goal but endured a frustrating night with too little quality service. No one could complain about his workrate or attitude. Reuters
  • Diogo Jota - 7 Ended a quiet first half with a satisfying goal against his former club. The Portuguese carved out room for a shot in the area in the second period before being replaced by Oxlade-Chamberlain for the last eight minutes. AFP
    Diogo Jota - 7 Ended a quiet first half with a satisfying goal against his former club. The Portuguese carved out room for a shot in the area in the second period before being replaced by Oxlade-Chamberlain for the last eight minutes. AFP
  • Sadio Mane - 7 The Senegalese should have done better with a first-half one-on-one and might have gone down for a penalty when touched by the goalkeeper. He fired a diving header just wide, created the goal and was a constant menace to the defence. Reuters
    Sadio Mane - 7 The Senegalese should have done better with a first-half one-on-one and might have gone down for a penalty when touched by the goalkeeper. He fired a diving header just wide, created the goal and was a constant menace to the defence. Reuters
  • SUB: James Milner - 6 Replaced Wijnaldum and shored up the midfield for the last 23 minutes as Wolves attempted a late barrage. The 35-year-old loves doing the dirty work. AFP
    SUB: James Milner - 6 Replaced Wijnaldum and shored up the midfield for the last 23 minutes as Wolves attempted a late barrage. The 35-year-old loves doing the dirty work. AFP
  • SUB: Naby Keita - 6 On for Thiago in the 67th minute but had few chances to turn on the style. The Guinean was more concerned with helping out the defence than getting forward. Reuters
    SUB: Naby Keita - 6 On for Thiago in the 67th minute but had few chances to turn on the style. The Guinean was more concerned with helping out the defence than getting forward. Reuters
  • SUB: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 5 Joined the game in the 82nd minute when Jota was substituted. He thought he had set up Salah to score but the through ball was a fraction too late and the striker was offside. Reuters
    SUB: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 5 Joined the game in the 82nd minute when Jota was substituted. He thought he had set up Salah to score but the through ball was a fraction too late and the striker was offside. Reuters

Football

Jurgen Klopp admits top four Premier League finish for Liverpool 'almost impossible'

Reds manager already planning for life without European football next season

The National

March 17, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits it will be "almost impossible" to finish in the top four this season.

Despite Monday's win over Wolves – only their fourth in the league since Christmas – moving to them within five points of Chelsea in the final Champions League qualification spot Klopp believes they still have an uphill battle.

"I like to be an optimist, but in the league it is almost impossible to qualify in the competition for the Champions League places that we have," Klopp, whose side are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, told German newspaper Bild.

"At Tottenham, Gareth Bale is now playing again, and they are also in the running. Plus [Manchester] City and United, who are far away.

"Chelsea is on the rise. Reaching Champions League qualification through the league will be difficult, we know that.

"You don't usually win the Champions League itself in a year with injury worries as big as we have.

"Then in the worst case it will be next year: no Champions League, maybe Europa League, although that is not guaranteed either."

Not returning to Europe's elite club competition next season would mean a huge reduction in revenue, coming off the back of a year severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Klopp acknowledges this but does not fear for his job should they not make it – in fact were they not to qualify for Europe at all, which is still a possibility, he believes it would make his side stronger for another tilt at the title they won last summer.

"It would mean a huge financial loss," he said regarding a lack of Champions League football. Otherwise not that much.

"I am aware, in almost all football clubs in the world, I would be questioned in a situation like our current one.

"This is completely normal, reality, the business. I would accept that immediately.

"But it's different here in Liverpool. Our owners, the sports director, even the players, nobody doubts anyone here. We have accepted the situation for ourselves and fight our way through it.

"Even if there has never been anything like it after a championship then we'll be the first to fight our way, as a large, successful club.

"If we don't play internationally [in Europe] at all, that means more time to relax. That would be bad for all other teams because training is good for us.

"If we had more time, we could take advantage of it. We would try to turn the bad situation into something good."

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Gallery: Liverpool 0 Fulham 1

  • Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during his team's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Fulham at Anfield on Sunday, March 7. Reuters
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during his team's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Fulham at Anfield on Sunday, March 7. Reuters
  • Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola punches clear under pressure from Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. AP
    Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola punches clear under pressure from Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. AP
  • Fulham's Mario Lemina celebrates with teammates after scoring the winner. PA
    Fulham's Mario Lemina celebrates with teammates after scoring the winner. PA
  • Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri. PA
    Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri. PA
  • Mario Lemina scores for Fulham. AP
    Mario Lemina scores for Fulham. AP
  • Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson cannot stop Mario Lemina (not pictured) scoring for Fulham. PA
    Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson cannot stop Mario Lemina (not pictured) scoring for Fulham. PA
  • 2021 A plane flies over the stadium displaying banner reading 'unity is strength - let's go Reds YNWA'. Reuters
    2021 A plane flies over the stadium displaying banner reading 'unity is strength - let's go Reds YNWA'. Reuters
  • Liverpool's Mohamed Salah after Mario Lemina's goal for Fulham. Reuters
    Liverpool's Mohamed Salah after Mario Lemina's goal for Fulham. Reuters
  • Fulham's Mario Lemina celebrates scoring. PA
    Fulham's Mario Lemina celebrates scoring. PA
  • Liverpool's Naby Keita was booked for this challenge on Mario Lemina of Fulham. Reuters
    Liverpool's Naby Keita was booked for this challenge on Mario Lemina of Fulham. Reuters
  • Fulham manager Scott Parker. Getty
    Fulham manager Scott Parker. Getty
  • Fulham's Ademola Lookman shoots at goal. PA
    Fulham's Ademola Lookman shoots at goal. PA
  • Fulham's Mario Lemina challenges Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah. AFP
    Fulham's Mario Lemina challenges Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah. AFP
  • Mario Lemina scores for Fulham. PA
    Mario Lemina scores for Fulham. PA
  • Fulham manager Scott Parker hugs goalscoring hero Mario Lemina after the match. AFP
    Fulham manager Scott Parker hugs goalscoring hero Mario Lemina after the match. AFP
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