Liverpool vs Chelsea: Jurgen Klopp says his players 'closed the book' on Steven Gerrard slip
Klopp's side remain two points clear at the top of the table thanks to a crucial victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jurgen Klopp believes that Liverpool have ‘closed the slipping book’ after safely navigating their way to a 2-0 win over Chelsea at Anfield in their title charge.
Klopp’s side remain two points clear at the top of the table thanks to a crucial victory, hours after Manchester City’s 3-1 win away to Crystal Palace.
City have a game in hand on the challengers and will retain their title if they win all of their remaining games.
It is likely that Liverpool will have do the same, starting away to relegation-threatened Cardiff City next weekend, with a maximum total of 97 points available.
Prior to Sunday’s win, meanwhile, much of the build-up focused on a 2014 meeting at Anfield when Steven Gerrard's fatal slip against Chelsea saw Liverpool’s title bid collapse.
When asked how his players are coping with the pressure of the run-in, Klopp said: “The biggest challenge for us is facing the world outside. You and other people.
“You asked if [City] ask questions of us. If we think about them yes, if we don’t think about them no.
“If five minutes somebody tells us before our game: ‘City lost!’ That doesn’t help. You lose your focus in that moment.
“What we want to do is collect as many points as possible. It’s 85 now, four games to play? It means 97. Good. Let’s try that.
“If that’s enough, perfect. If not, we cannot change it. And we didn’t lose it here or there.”
Liverpool could have moved seven points clear of City in late January, but drew at home to Leicester City and have since seen their rivals claw back the difference.
“Very smart people will come out and say: ‘Yeah, if you would’ve won against Leicester, then you would be champion,’” Klopp added.
“It’s all bullshit. Only weak people and idiots bring something like this up.
“And on this point, we can finally close the slipping book. Robbo slipped and nothing happened. It’s not a Liverpool thing. Done.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments