Jurgen Klopp, the German manager of Liverpool FC, expressed his concern that Manchester City, who are on the verge of winning the Premier League title this season, could be even stronger next season. The team managed by Spanish coach Pep Guardiola is close to reclaiming the title that Liverpool won last season. City have also secured the League Cup this season and are aiming for their first Champions League final after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in the first leg of the semi-final.
Ironically, Liverpool could confirm City's title if the latter wins against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and Klopp's men defeat second-placed Manchester United on Sunday. Klopp, who has seen his team's title defense hindered by numerous injuries, does not expect things to become easier next season, especially with Manchester United and Chelsea improving.
Klopp stated, "We are responsible for the things that happen to us. We have been consistently present in semi-final matches over the past few years and fighting for league titles." He added, "They (City) deserve their position. This is football; it's fair. They have won many matches."
The German continued, "We will face them again next year, but this year we can only finish our season as best as we can, and we have nothing to do with the semi-finals and finals." Liverpool, currently sixth in the standings, will meet United on Sunday, looking for their first win at Old Trafford in seven years.
Nonetheless, a victory is essential if the Reds wish to keep their hopes alive for a place in next season's Champions League, while Klopp admitted that things will become more challenging next season. He said, "It always gets more difficult because City never stops. This is clear. They haven't stopped and they won't."
He clarified that "United are definitely coming; everyone can see that. Chelsea is obviously in a fantastic position, a great team. Thomas (Tuchel) has inherited a gift, and you can see it’s really good, so it won't get easier." He added, "We are not just talking about City; there will certainly be other teams. We have to deal with all the other teams that have amazing strength but are still under the radar, like Leicester."
He concluded by saying, "No one should dismiss Tottenham or Arsenal. West Ham is obviously flying right now. So how can it get easier? It's not just City."
