It is, as Klopp himself said after the game, “unlikely but possible” as league leaders Manchester City are a point clear and can clinch a third title in four seasons if they do. he beats Aston Villa at home on Sunday.
But Villa are managed by famed former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and playing a part in helping Liverpool win their 20th top-flight title would be redemption for a man who never won the league with his hometown club. It would be the kind of fanciful story written by a Hollywood screenwriter, but stranger things have happened in football.
After all, at the start of the year Liverpool trailed City by 14 points – but 15 league wins and two league draws since January 15 have given the Reds a chance to claim a second title under Klopp.
“If I was in the other situation, I don’t feel like I’m already champions. From my point of view, in second, you think that, of course, City will win this game. But that’s football,” Klopp told reporters.
“There’s so much going on in this second half of the season. I think if we became champions it would be deserved as well, but for that we have to win and then we have to see.”
Liverpool must focus on their next game, beating Wolves at Anfield, and hope Villa play their part in maintaining Klopp’s quest for the quadruple – securing all three domestic trophies and the Champions League.
It bodes well for Klopp as he made nine changes to the side that beat Chelsea on penalties in Sunday’s FA Cup final and still beat Southampton away.
Takumi Minamino and Joel Matip scored for the Reds at St Mary’s after Nathan Redmond gave Southampton an early lead.
“I saw incredible performances,” Klopp said.
“I’m so happy with the performance. These boys. [It’s] like having Ferraris in the garage and you let them out and they do it straight like that.”
Liverpool have two more games to play in what could be an amazing season. First there’s Wolves and then the Champions League final against Real Madrid at the end of the month.
Two trophies – the League Cup and the FA Cup – already won, two may yet to come.
cnn Sport Gt