Manchester derby draw changes nothing for Liverpool, claims Klopp
Jurgen Klopp says the draw between Manchester City and Manchester United has not changed much in Liverpool's pursuit of Champions League qualification.
The derby clash at Etihad Stadium on Thursday finished 0-0, meaning Liverpool remain third in the Premier League table, a point above City and two clear of United, having played a game more.
United boss Jose Mourinho claimed afterwards that fourth place is likely to be a straight fight between Liverpool, Arsenal and his own side over the closing weeks of the season.
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Klopp, however, says his side simply need to focus on their own results in their quest to return to Europe's elite tournament.
"Last night didn't change a lot," the Liverpool boss told a news conference. "It's all about us. We don't have 100 per cent influence but it makes sense to focus on your own games and win as much as you can.
"It's interesting and exciting and we're in the middle of it. We have to do our job four times. We will see."
Liverpool face Watford on Monday knowing that they could be down in fifth by the time the match kicks off, should City win at Middlesbrough and United beat Swansea City on Sunday.
A shock 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace has left Liverpool needing a response but Klopp is confident in their form away from home of late.
"I cannot change the results we had. It's the situation. If we win, which will be difficult, we are probably in third again. So that's all we think about," he said.
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"We won the last two away games, even if the last result wasn't good but when I watch again it is not easy to create chances against Palace and we did.
"We still could have won the game, that's how it is. We will learn, we are working on strengthening the squad, that's clear."
Klopp confirmed that Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge have returned to team training and have a chance of being involved at Vicarage Road, although captain Jordan Henderson is still out.
He also revealed that Mamadou Sakho could be back in action this season after the Palace loanee's knee injury was shown to be not as severe as first feared.
"When we saw the pictures it looked awful. But now we know that there are no ligaments involved," he said of the centre-back, who picked up the problem in the Eagles' 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.
"In a situation like this, maybe not for Palace, but for the player the best thing he could get. I think he's out for a few weeks but that is good in the end."
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Liverpool confirmed this week that Steven Gerrard has taken over as manager of the Under-18 side and Klopp is delighted with the appointment.
"Starting at a club like Liverpool is a fantastic opportunity but not all former world-class players are ready to do this," he added. "It's the classic win-win situation. For the youth players it's a fantastic opportunity to work with him.
"My door is always open, he knows that. He will be good."