Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described his team’s prospects of winning the Premier League as “not probable but feasible” after a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Tuesday brought the championship battle to the last day of the season.
Klopp made nine changes at St Mary’s after Liverpool upset Chelsea on penalties in a tense FA Cup final only three days before.
Despite playing a reserve side and falling early to Nathan Redmond’s goal, Liverpool came back with goals from Takumi Minamino and Joel Matip.
The Reds are just one point behind leaders Manchester City with one game remaining.
The city will win a championship fight if they beat Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp is confident about Van Dijk and Salah’s fitness for the final
Klopp emphasized over the weekend that City would not lose points against Villa.
If Liverpool defeats Wolves at Anfield and City loses, they will be crowned champions for the second time in three seasons.
“Of course, it’s doubtful considering City plays Aston Villa at home on Thursday. It’s possible, not probable, but possible. That is sufficient, “Klopp explained.
“It’s our last home game of the season so the atmosphere will be electric, and we’ll make the most of it.
“Of course, it’s possible. Football may be a difficult game at times. We just had one opportunity to win tonight. We completed our task. We never surrender.”
Klopp’s side will be expected to contribute against Wolves, particularly now that their key players have returned from injury.
Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were among the players left out against Southampton. At the same time, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were injured at Wembley and were unable to play.
“I’ve never been in a group like this before. They are constantly pushing each other. Finally, it’s fantastic, and tonight is particularly memorable, “Klopp explained.
“If we had played the men who played 120 minutes on Saturday, we would have had many more issues today.
“It would have been all my fault if things hadn’t worked out. It finally worked out, and the lads should be quite pleased.”
HISTORY BID
Pep Guardiola said that he intended to watch the game on television, and if he did, he would have been disappointed to see Southampton waste the lead.
Riyad Mahrez’s missed penalty in the last minutes of City’s 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday had given Liverpool fresh optimism about catching City.
And the Reds, who are attempting to become the first English team to win all four major trophies in the same season, will end their excellent, prolonged campaign in the last two games.
Firstly, Liverpool will attempt to prevent a repetition of last season, when they overcame Wolves on the previous day but were ultimately beaten by City for the championship.
Then, on May 28, they go to Paris to play Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Liverpool was caught off guard when Ralph Hasenhuttle’s team grabbed the lead after 13 minutes.
Redmond raced down the left-wing, cutting inside to the area’s edge, and unleashed a powerful drive that deflected off James Milner and flashed into the far corner.
Liverpool exhibited the determination and spirit that led Klopp to call them “mental monsters” when their championship ambitions were jeopardized.
With a beautiful equal in the 27th minute, Japan attacker Minamino made the most of a rare Premier League start.
Jota received a superbly weighted lay-off from Joe Gomez, and Minamino beat Alex McCarthy at the near post with a fierce rising drive.
Liverpool’s constant pressure paid off in the 67th minute.
Peters disputed Kyle Walker and Matip Tsimikas’ corner, and the ball looped in over McCarthy, forcing City to put the champagne on hold for the time being.
