Win over Middlesbrough will produce big dividends for Liverpool
Klopp all smiles for Liverpool FC Champions League potential.
All the marbles are out and Sunday could prove to be a turning point for Liverpool FC. The Reds will play host to Middlesbrough at Anfield with a spot in the Champions League on the line.
Sitting at 73 points, Liverpool have a chance to return to European football for the first time since 2015 when they were knocked out in the group stage.
The biggest thing at stake is money. Play in the Champions League and reap the rewards. Don’t make it and ‘better luck next year.’
And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp knows it.
Klopp: "In the CL you get a lot of money which is very interesting. We have money to spend. It always makes sense to think before we spend."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 19, 2017
Liverpool will need that extra boost considering all the talent they are linked to in the upcoming transfer window. And even who they aren’t getting.
“Icing on the cake”
Klopp told the Liverpool Echo that he believes stock in the Liverpool name has gone up over the last year. For the Reds, most of all, a spot in Europe next season is gold compared to simple name recognition.
Klopp: "They have seen our way and they have seen our football. Champions League would be icing on the cake."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 19, 2017
Klopp was careful to suggest Champions League play should not be the lone motivation for coming to Liverpool.
"“It should not sound negative but if Champions League is the only reason why a player is coming it makes no sense for him or for us because one year of not qualifying and the player decides he wants another Champions League club,” Klopp said in his Friday press conference to the Echo. “It is important for players because that is what they want to play but it is more about the progress, development and positive perspective of a club.”"
The fact that Klopp has already started summer transfer talks should come as no surprise as the German tends to move at a rapid pace.
Klopp: Liverpool FC already in talks with summer targets https://t.co/YJ99wR6nw9 pic.twitter.com/FfNIrLI2Al
— Click Liverpool (@ClickLiverpool) May 19, 2017
The Reds must first get through already-relegated Middlesbrough to get the spoils of Champions League football. With ‘Boro’s fate already decided for next season, they have the opportunity to play spoiler.
A loss means Liverpool will have to get help on the last day and hope Arsenal meet the same fate against Everton Sunday.
The Reds’ cross-town rivals have the chance to help or hinder. With Romelu Lukaku looking to capitalize on his season for a payday next year, it could be an aligning of stars for Liverpool.
Sunday’s game should be wild as it will be the last at Anfield for nearly three months.
Klopp: "I hope I don't have to say anything about this (atmosphere). It will be 3 months before we meet next time."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 19, 2017
Form
Liverpool FC
W-L-W-D-W
Middlesbrough
L-W-D-L-L
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To watch the game
NBC Sports Network in the United States. Kickoff at 10 a.m. EST.