Jurgen Klopp says ‘miracles’ are beyond his side’s reach this time as Liverpool prepare to travel to Leicester on Monday in a huge game at both ends of the table.
Fifth-placed Liverpool are four points behind Newcastle and Manchester United with three games to go in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
Leicester are two points behind Premier League safety down.
“I knew weeks ago it was completely out of sight,” Klopp said of his team’s first four chances.
“I couldn’t see it at all, but that didn’t mean we wouldn’t try to get closer. That’s the only thing we did, we got closer.”
Liverpool and the Champions League evoke special memories for Klopp, his side overturning a 3-0 first leg deficit to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals en route to winning the tournament in 2019.
“Everyone involved will never forget it in our entire lives,” he said.
In 2021, Klopp’s side have also won eight games and drawn the last 10, including a 90th-minute winner by goalkeeper Alisson, to finish in the top four.
“That means it’s part of us and, you’re right, we were there when miracles happened, that’s true, but then it was still in our hands,” Klopp said.
“Now we have to win but that doesn’t mean anything because the other teams could win all their games.”
‘We were written off six games ago’ – Smith on the fight for survival
Dean Smith picked up five points in his first three games as Leicester boss, but last Monday’s 5-3 loss to Fulham, coupled with wins for Everton and Nottingham Forest, saw his side fall back into the bottom three .
Both Forest and Leeds picked up points at the weekend but Everton were beaten by Manchester City.
That leaves Leicester two points behind 17th-placed Everton with a superior goal difference.
Smith’s side face a difficult end to the season with a trip to Newcastle and a home game against West Ham to complete their campaign.
“We were written off six games ago and all of a sudden Leeds and Everton were written off and now Everton aren’t,” Smith said. “The game can change very quickly.
“None of the players want to be in the position we’re in. They’re looking for answers themselves. All the guys care, they just show it in different ways.
“I expect a fight, but I expect better quality than what we showed in decision-making opportunities [against Fulham]. We need points and it’s a home game for us, hope Jurgen isn’t disappointed with the fight he sees.”
‘There’s still quality’ – where Liverpool are in the running for Europe
Liverpool were 10 points behind Manchester United a month ago but have won six games in a row to move closer to their rivals.
They started the weekend a point behind but United’s 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday saw them move four points clear of Liverpool.
Newcastle dropped points in a 2-2 draw at Leeds to also go four points clear, with all three teams having three games left to play.
Liverpool realistically need to win all three games and hope for slip-ups from one of the other two to claim a Champions League spot.
“We are playing a very bad season, I think everyone in this room agrees, and now we have 62 points. It’s strange,” Klopp said ahead of Monday’s trip to Leicester.
“There’s still quality in the boys. I’m really happy that we were able to show off a bit. Where it will end is really not that.
“I know everyone wants to go to the Champions League, I understand 100 per cent because that’s what I want. It’s just not really likely, that’s the situation we’ve created.”
