Klopp ‘doesn’t expect’ City to drop points against Villa, wary of ‘completely fresh’ Southampton
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Manchester City will beat Aston Villa on the last day of the season to retain the Premier League title.
City dropped points against West Ham on Sunday but still hold the advantage over the Reds – who are four points behind with two games remaining, meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side only have one game left.
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Klopp’s men are off the back of FA Cup success after beating Chelsea in the final at Wembley but celebrations will have been short-lived with another huge Premier League clash coming up against Southampton on Tuesday.
After playing 120 minutes against the Blues on Saturday, Klopp has said that he has a “lot of decisions” to make when it comes to his team selection against the Saints.
He said: “This process is not finished yet because we only played the 120 minutes two days ago… The 30 extra minutes made a big difference.
“Tomorrow we will see. After 120 minutes, we have to make sure we don’t go nuts with them. We will see. Southampton will try to beat us.
“Imagine we go there with eight players who played 120 minutes. Makes no sense. We will make changes, I don’t know how many.
“We can’t play the same 11 players. But why are there restrictions on medals? Please send more medals. The squad gets bigger but the numbers stay the same.”
Jurgen Klopp has now won every trophy there is to offer at @LFC 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/RLYydfyhHw
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 15, 2022
Klopp is thankful that he will be able to make five substitutions per game in the Premier League next season, whilst noting that it would have been even more difficult if he could only make three changes in the FA Cup final.
“Next season we change five times. More players come on and make a difference from the bench. We already felt it this season. Imagine the FA Cup final if we only change three times?
“I love it that the boys came on and contributed. I know they contribute and now the public know as well. It’s as important to start as to come on and make a difference.”
On enjoying success against Chelsea on Saturday, Klopp said: “Until the plane landed. I was in a good mood and then I got tired.
“Why don’t we have the FA Cup the last game? That would have helped with celebrations because it’s different when you play later.
“I really enjoyed the long party on the pitch with all the people. That’s what it’s about.
“Since we landed in Liverpool, we were tired and switched to Southampton. Next morning at 10.30am we had our Southampton analysis meetings.
“The atmosphere the group created is exceptional and that’s why we won these two competitions.”
On facing Southampton: “This is game 60. When did Southampton have their last game? 10-12 days? They might lack rhythm but we lose that advantage if we make changes. They are completely fresh. Last home game, what would you do?
“I am looking forward to the game tomorrow.
“I don’t know the last time City dropped points two games in a row. Villa has to play midweek. They are not used to that. I don’t expect City to drop points there.”
When asked if the conclusion to 2021/22 is similar to 18/19 when the title race went to the last day of the season, Klopp responded: “When they played Brighton right? And Brighton went 1-0 up? I could hear in the stadium, they probably scored.
“I knew in that moment it was too early. If I had heard it in the 90th minute, I’d have probably celebrated.
“The only thing I felt was pride. I knew in the moment we would get another chance. It’s all about timing.”
Klopp also added that Fabinho is progressing “very well” but will not feature on Tuesday.
