Jurgen Klopp gives blunt response to Man Utd and…

Jurgen Klopp gives blunt response to Man Utd and Newcastle question - 'Of course not'

Jurgen Klopp has said that Liverpool have 'no chance' of finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season, seemingly ruling out his side's chances of qualification for next season's Champions League.

Klopp oversaw Liverpool's 4-3 win against Spurs on Sunday afternoon, but has said that the Reds' top four rivals are far more likely to reach the Champions League despite the win. Klopp has been manager of Liverpool since 2015, failing just once to achieve a top four finish, but achieving that feat looks unlikely this season.

The Reds are currently fifth in the able, albeit with fourth placed Manchester United currently holding a comfortable gap over their rivals. Erik ten Hag's United currently sit seven points clear of Liverpoo, also holding a game in hand.

There has been a resurgence for Liverpool, however, who sit third in the form table over the last six matches, having looked at one stage to be heading for a mid-table finish alongside Chelsea. But Klopp has not filled fans with confidence regarding his side's chances in their remaining games to qualifying for the Champions League, telling them that there was 'no chance' of it happening.

Asked after Sunday's match about his side's chances, Klopp told BBC Sport: "Of course not. If United and Newcastle wins all the games then how can we get there? he added. "If they start losing them we are close. Until then we have to win football games to qualify for Europe at all."

Klopp's comments will not be good to hear for Liverpool fans, but do show an acceptance of the situation at the club. His hope of achieving Europa League football is also an interesting point, with some debate around whether it is worth qualifying for Europe's secondary competition in the absence of playing at the elite level.

Newcastle have not played in European football since the 2012/13 Europa League, and would be delighted with playing back on the continent after a ten year hiatus. Manager Eddie Howe spoke about his side's chances of doing just that after a remarkable first full season in charge for the former Bournemouth boss.

He said after beating Bournemouth 3-1 on Saturday: "I think from my perspective and on behalf of all the players, we want to try to win every game. We've got a very tough one to come next here, which will be a great occasion for us, and that's the only focus that I'll have on it."