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Attendance: 53,331
Liverpool logo
Premier League | Gameweek 38
May 12, 2019 at 3pm UK
 
Wolves logo

2-0

Mane (17', 81')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Jurgen Klopp looks back on "exceptional" title race

Klopp looks back on
© Reuters
Liverpool and City have been relentless in their pursuit

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp doubts whether this relentless Premier League season, where his side have gone toe-to-toe with Manchester City, will ever be repeated.

The Reds head into the final match of a campaign in which they have lost just once – to City – one point behind Pep Guardiola's defending champions.

Liverpool need to beat Wolves and hope Brighton can take points off City if they are to win their first title since 1990.

Should both teams win Klopp's team will finish on 97 points, the third-highest total in the history of the Premier League beaten only by City's century last season and this season's 98.

The destination of the title will, essentially, come down to the narrowest of margins: 11millimetres to be precise.

That was how close to going in goalline technology decided Sadio Mane's shot was for what would have been the opening goal in their clash at the Etihad Stadium in January – a game City eventually won 2-1.

Since then both teams have been relentless in their pursuit of the title: City have won their last 13 league matches, Liverpool 10 of their last 12 (including two draws).

"The difference between City, us and other teams, who are for sure quality-wise not worse, is consistency. That's why we have the points we have," said Klopp.

"If you lose one game so far, it's exceptional, and City didn't draw many obviously.

"But it's about becoming champions, not collecting 500 points. If next year somebody is champion with 65 or 70 points, it's deserved and it will have been a difficult season in another manner.

"This year, we have to win each game to have a chance. I don't know if that will happen a lot more."

Liverpool still also have the Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid on June 1 to look forward to.

However, Klopp insists their focus is only on Anfield on Sunday.

"You get millions of messages and nobody speaks about the weekend. It's all 'Unbelievable!' and 'All the best in the final' but we play Wolves now," said Klopp, referring to the reaction the semi-final 4-0 comeback win over Barcelona produced.

"It doesn't make Tuesday night's achievement any smaller. It was for sure one of the best moments in football history, not only Liverpool. But it has nothing to do with the weekend – except that we should be confident.

"Wolves want to show that they are not passengers, they are a real football team. I respect that, and we have to be ready.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp respects the work of Wolves counterpart Nuno Espirito Santo
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp respects the work of Wolves counterpart Nuno Espirito Santo (Nick Potts/PA)

"They are seventh in an unbelievably competitive league, from getting promoted last year.

"Wolves showed the whole year they have ambitions and can enjoy their football.

"They played wonderful football, good defending, sensational counter-attacking, scoring in the right moments, staying calm and composed.

"Nuno is doing an incredible job there, which makes our job pretty difficult.

"And on the other side, Brighton. It's their last home game of the season, and I know this team are full of joyful footballers. They will try everything."

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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