MY ACCOUNT
Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool must still prove themselves worthy of European football next season — despite boosting their qualification hopes with back-to-back Premier League victories.
The Reds go into Wednesday’s trip to West Ham in seventh place after wins over Leeds and Nottingham Forest ended a run of four league games without a victory, leaving them three points off Tottenham in fifth but nine behind Manchester United in fourth.
But with Brighton lurking a point below — with two games in hand — Klopp knows there is still much work to be done in a season where a lack of consistency has too often been Liverpool’s downfall.
Asked what the Reds had shown with their last two results, the German said: “Nothing. You could say the same about West Ham, they’ve found their feet as well so let’s see about that.
“We have to still prove ourselves. We cannot talk about consistency when you win two games.
“We have to keep it going. We have to make sure it’s not too difficult for people to watch us, that they like it again.”
Diogo Jota has scored four goals in those two victories — his first Liverpool goals of a season wrecked by a calf injury.
Klopp, 55, said: “He just got back up to speed. He is an exceptional player.
“Since Diogo joined us he did exceptional stuff for us. He’s super smart, can play a lot of different positions, he has super interesting skills for an offensive player.
“He’s not the tallest but an extreme threat in the air, his timing is top, he can finish with both feet.
“Diogo this season had a really bad injury, that kept him back, nothing else. If he stays fit he is an outstanding player.”
Liverpool’s trip to East London may be badly timed, with West Ham picking up form in their fight against relegation.
David Moyes’ side are unbeaten in their last four in all competitions, a run that has included a 2-2 draw with leaders Arsenal, victory over Gent in the Europa Conference League and Sunday’s 4-0 rout of Bournemouth.
