Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are coming up against “the best team in the world” when they travel to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
But the Reds boss has challenged his players to keep up the intensity levels shown across a 2022 that has kept them in contention for the quadruple.
A 3-1 win at Benfica in the quarter-final of the Champions League on Tuesday night saw the Reds take pole position ahead of the second leg next week where Klopp’s men will look to secure a third European Cup semi-final of his reign.
RATINGS: Liverpool player ratings as Naby Keita brilliant and Trent great against Benfica
VERDICT: What Liverpool fans sang after Luis Diaz goal says a lot about Jurgen Klopp
It is Sunday’s trip to the Etihad, however, that is taking full focus now as the Premier League heavyweights go head-to-head in a clash that will have a huge say on who will be champions in May.
“If we win against Man City, which is already difficult enough, I think no-one would think: 'That's it, it is decided.’ That is because of the quality of the opponent,” Klopp said. “We play now against the best team in the world, but we will give it a try anyway. That is what we must.
“So what we did in the last few months, six, seven or eight months since the season started we created a basis. We are in the quarter-final, the semi-final and the further you go in competitions the harder it gets. That’s unfortunately the truth.”
He added: “You barely reach a final and face a team where you win 8-0. The Chelsea final was incredibly intense, two top-class sides and that's how all the games will be from now on. Since late December it was clear if we want to win something we had better win all our games. This is not realistic we know, but that's why we take it game by game.
“Then maybe it is a little bit more possible. But it will be really tough. Yes, everyone knows about the importance of the next game, but after this game there will be other games other competitions but also in the Premier League as well.
“If you cannot be first you want to be second, if you are close then you want to overtake. We will give it a proper try.”
