Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp says Reds are ready for 'tricky' run of games after Watford victory
- Planet Sport writer
- 2 April 2022
Diogo Jota and Fabinho scored either side of half time to give Liverpool a 2-0 win and send them top of the Premier League table.
LiverpoolΒ dealt well with being the first side back in action after the international break, easing pastΒ Watford at Anfield to leapfrog rivalsΒ Manchester City in the league.
Their performance left much to be desired, but the Reds did enough to secure a vital three points against the relegation-threatened Hornets.
Up next for Jurgen Klopp's side is the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Benfica, before a blockbuster clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
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β Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 2, 2022
In a match that could potentially decide the league champions, Klopp admitted there's no way his sideΒ can hide from such an important game.
"We didn't play the best football possible today but it was enough, I was really happy we came through," said the German coach.
"I didn't expect we would be flying. It is unlikely after the international break it will be the best game of the season.
"To keep in the title race we have to win our football games, it will be really tricky. The next Premier League game is a big one, we can't hide from that."
Klopp was also questioned about how hopeful he was of catching up to City back in December, when Liverpool found themselves 14 points off the top.
Understandably, the Liverpool boss suggested that he and his side were more focused on securing Champions League qualification.
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β Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 2, 2022
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Now just four months on, they find themselves locking horns with City for the Premier League title.
"I actually didn't have a lot of alternatives for it to be different because we had important games," said Klopp about his thoughts back in December.
"Fourteen points behind City means you are in trouble of qualifying for the Champions League. You cannot be champions, we had to qualify for the Champions League.
"We had no chance to influence City since then. I saw some of their games and the performance level was incredible.
"We wanted to qualify in the Champions League, we wanted to come (win) into a cup competition, and the rest just happened while trying to play the best football possible.
Liverpool travel to Portugal on Monday before their clash with Benfica on Tuesday night, and then the Reds will prepare for their trip to the Etihad, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 GMT on April 10.
