Ragnar Klavan insists Liverpool will finish in the top four despite defensive shortcomings
The central defender thinks Liverpool have been hard done by this season when it comes to injuries, but remains confident of finishing in a Champions League place
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Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan has insisted the club’s defence is good enough to help secure a top-four finish this season.
Jurgen Klopp has helped to improve Liverpool’s attack since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund last season, but his defence remains susceptible to set-pieces and long-throws.
This weakness was made evident during the club’s recent 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth, as Josh King struck late to deny Liverpool the chance to maintain an eight-point lead over fifth-placed Arsenal.
Klopp held his hands up after the match and accepted responsibility for Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings, but Klavan has insisted the club’s back-line is good enough to win entry into next season’s Champions League.
“In a game we don't feel we are vulnerable in these [defensive] situations. We have a good formation,” the Estonian international said.
“It was really disappointing to lose those points against Bournemouth, but I think we have done better [at set-pieces] and it was just a second-ball situation when we were not there.
“There are going to be some really tough games for us, it could be more physical, but we are one team, we always stick together in good times and bad times.
“This is also the reason I believe we can finish in the top four because of the team spirit.
“We know we have had bad luck this season with injuries and stuff but we keep on fighting with the team spirit.”
Klavan admitted however that Liverpool are unlikely to have it all their own way in the last few weeks of the season, even though the club have one of the kindest run-ins of the top-six.
Liverpool will play Stoke, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Watford over the next three weeks, as they attempt to secure their highest Premier League finish since 2013/14, when they finished second behind Manchester City.
“It wasn't good (against Bournemouth) but there are plenty of games left and we have to keep on fighting and believing,” added Klavan.
“It is going to be tight. It is not easy and for the lower teams they have the pressure of getting points to stay in the league.
“It makes it interesting, for sure, but either way it doesn't make it easy for us.”
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