Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool are "not yet champions" as focus remains on strong finish

LFC Globe
3rd June 2020
Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp says he is excited for the 's return on 17 June but insists Liverpool must work hard if they are to lift the title.

The Reds had stormed 25 points clear at the top of the table before the coronavirus pandemic halted football around the world, with the Premier League suspending its season on 13 March.

Top-flight football returns a little over three months later as take on in one of two games on 17 June, before a full round of fixtures the following weekend.

"I have missed it so much it's unbelievable," Klopp said.

"I know it's not the most important thing in life but it is my passion. I hope the people are looking forward to it because we are."

Liverpool will undoubtedly lift the league title for the first time in 30 years, with just two more wins needed from their nine remaining fixtures to secure the deal.

Should Arsenal come out on top against Man City, Klopp's side could secure the title with a against local rivals on their return.

The inevitability of the Reds' title win is certain, however, Klopp insists his side are "not champions yet," as they look to finish the season on a high.

"It's nice to think about it but we are not champions yet and we know that," he said.

"We know we are close but close is not there. There are 27 points left for us and we will try everything to take them all.

"We are still not champions. We have to play football games and we have to win them.

"We don't want to stop winning after two games or whatever it is. I don't see results written in the stars; we have to work really hard."

All remaining Premier League games will be held behind closed doors, however, a selection of Liverpool fixtures have also been earmarked to be contested at a neutral venue.

Jurgen Klopp

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Klopp insists that's no problem for him or his players, citing the Bundesliga as to why he feels there is no advantage gained without supporters in the ground.

"We will not have the help from the crowd but no team will have that so where is the advantage? Whoever we play it is the same situation which is why I'm not too worried about it," said Klopp.

"We have tried to simulate the situation by training in the stadium and getting used to it.

"If you look at Germany, they have not had a lot of home wins. If the alternative is not to play at all, then I will play wherever you want. I don't care."

"Some of them were better than last summer after a shorter break," said the German.

"When we start, we will have had four weeks - three weeks of contact training together - and that should be enough, it has to be enough. You never know after a summer break how you will be when the season starts again and it is a little bit similar to this time.

"From the first match, we all play for absolutely everything."

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