MY ACCOUNT
Jurgen Klopp sees no need to call Steven Gerrard as a means to provide the Liverpool legend with extra motivation when his Aston Villa side attempt to deny Manchester City the Premier League title this weekend.
Liverpool’s quest for what would be a remarkable quadruple is reliant upon the Reds beating Wolves at Anfield, while hoping Villa can deny Pep Guardiola’s side three points at the Etihad Stadium in a mouth-watering final day.
Fans of football romanticism will revel in the fact Gerrard, a man who famously failed to win the Premier League in his distinguished Liverpool career, can help his former club in their bid for history.
Klopp acknowledged the fact internally Gerrard may want to help Liverpool secure the third of four trophies they can still win, but that the former England midfielder would have been going all out for the win regardless.
“I can think of these situations only by thinking of myself in this role, so if I would play a game and could help Dortmund or could help Mainz, whatever, it would mean an extra motivation, that’s how it is,” Klopp told a pre-match news conference.
“But I don’t play, Stevie doesn’t play. That’s a shame. Much more a shame Stevie doesn’t play than I don’t play! So, of course we are all human beings and have these things – Stevie will take it 100 per cent serious without me calling him, I don’t have to.
“A really good example I think is last night’s game with Crystal Palace [a match the Eagles lost 3-2 to Everton, who secured Premier League safety].
“One of the most important games for Everton in their history, Crystal Palace turns up and plays incredible football. They played really good, they lost, congratulations to Everton for staying up. They played to win, Aston Villa plays to win.”
Liverpool were Premier League champions in the coronavirus-disrupted 2019-2020 season, ending a 30-year wait for a top-flight title.
On that occasion, there was no trophy parade due to the COVID-19 enforced restrictions, with Klopp insisting celebrations would happen when the time is right.
For Klopp, whatever happens in the title race and the outcome of their Champions League final against Real Madrid next week, there is plentiful reason to celebrate in a season full of “joy” at a victory parade planned for May 29.
“We have so many reasons to celebrate. I think it’s enough to celebrate life. Of course, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, I know we didn’t have parade two years ago so I am happy we can deliver what I promised that time,” he added.
“It’s about us what we want to celebrate, couldn’t care less what others say. It’s just for us, it’s just for Liverpool FC. It’s just to celebrate that we are together in this moment of time. That’s enough to celebrate but this May 29th will be a great day.
“It’s been tough but great, a joy to be part of this season. It’s exceptional this group. In this building, it’s insane. These people are a pure joy.
“It’s so rare this and you cannot plan it. But the boys did it. Fed by the people here, the fans, it’s a fantastic time.”
Klopp also offered his thoughts on the increasingly concerning scenes in English football this week relating to pitch invasions.
Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp was attacked by a supporter following the Blades’ penalty shoot-out loss in the Championship play-offs semi-final to Nottingham Forest, while Patrick Vieira was involved in an altercation with a spectator in Palace’s 3-2 loss to Everton.
“It’s been 83 minutes, some fathers and sons were on the pitch, they lose their minds for their sons too, I didn’t get that. It could have been dangerous,” Klopp said.
“I’m not sure how you avoid that, I don’t want to judge, I understand emotions but for the other team it’s dangerous.
“I really hope we learn from that. It’s just like it is. We should make sure absolutely nothing happens.
“We can celebrate things without threatening ourselves and the opponent.”
