Jurgen Klopp: Chelsea have ‘massive advantage’ over Liverpool in Premier League title race

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that Chelsea have a ‘massive advantage’ over his side in the race for the Premier League title this season. The Reds, along with Arsenal, are considered by many to be Manchester City’s main rivals for the top spot, but Klopp feels that Mauricio Pochettino’s team, along with Tottenham, have a major advantage in the race for the top four this season as they are not playing in any European competitions.

Klopp made the comments ahead of Liverpool’s match against Spurs on Saturday, saying: “Chelsea and Tottenham have no European football. Two heavyweights not in European football, they have the whole week to train when others travel. It’s a massive advantage. Getting into the Champions League this year will be a massive, difficult task because they will be well rested.”

The Reds have made a strong start to the 2023-24 campaign, winning five of their six games in the top flight, with their only other result being a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on the opening day of the season. The Blues, meanwhile, have endured a tough spell since that meeting and have won just one of their opening six Premier League matches this term.

Despite problems for Chelsea on and off the pitch, their huge summer spending – the most spent by any club during a transfer window in Premier League history – could give them an edge in the race for the title. The Blues splashed out £434.5m on new signings, including Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech.

The signings have yet to pay off for Chelsea, but they could be a major factor in the title race if they can find their form. Liverpool, meanwhile, have been able to rely on their experienced core of players to get them off to a good start this season, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all impressing so far.

The Reds will be hoping that their experienced players can continue to perform at a high level and that they can make up for their lack of European football with consistent results in the Premier League. However, with Chelsea and Tottenham both having a full week to prepare for each game, it could be an uphill battle for Klopp’s side.

Only time will tell if Liverpool can overcome this ‘massive advantage’ that Chelsea and Tottenham have and challenge for the title this season.