Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool’s European Qualification

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool must still prove themselves worthy of European football next season despite their recent back-to-back Premier League victories. The Reds are currently in seventh place, three points off Tottenham in fifth and nine behind Manchester United in fourth. Brighton are a point below them with two games in hand. Klopp acknowledges that there is still much work to be done in a season where a lack of consistency has been their downfall. He stated that the team needs to keep it going and make sure it’s not too difficult for people to watch them, that they like it again. Diogo Jota has scored four goals in the last two victories, his first since returning from a calf injury. Klopp praised Jota, saying he is an exceptional player who is smart, can play different positions and is an extreme threat in the air. He also mentioned that Jota needs rhythm and that nobody waits for him when he’s injured, which is the most difficult thing. Liverpool’s trip to West Ham may be badly timed, as the Hammers have been picking up form in their fight against relegation. David Moyes’ side are unbeaten in their last four games, including a draw with Arsenal and a 4-0 rout of Bournemouth. Klopp said he expected a tough evening but joked that he had been rooting for Moyes to succeed all season since being told in the summer that Moyes was the oldest manager in the Premier League. He also mentioned that the process of appointing a new sporting director was moving in the right direction and that he was happy with the structure.