Klopp surrenders Liverpool 'dream' but still chasing 'fantastic' target

Jurgen Klopp concedes that Liverpool have failed to deliver on title-chasing dreams, but feels a top-four finish will be “fantastic”.

The Reds entered 2017-18 hoping to stake a claim for the English top-flight crown.

They have, however, been blown away, alongside the vast majority of their rivals, as Manchester City have enjoyed domestic dominance.

Klopp has already conceded that the chasing pack are now battling for second spot, with Champions League qualification representing the height of their ambition.

The German is, though, prepared to accept that consolation prize, telling reporters in the wake of a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal: “This year, I don’t think that anyone apart from Manchester City and maybe Manchester United are thinking too much about how they can win the league.

“We have to qualify for the Champions League. We have to finish as high as possible.

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“It looks like we could be second, third or fourth this year, that’s a fantastic situation. Not the dream but a fantastic situation.

“That’s what we are working on and for this we have to improve in all departments.”

Liverpool’s defensive frailties have been exposed on a regular basis this season, with that the department most in need of improvement.

An inability to keep things tight at the back once again cost them at Arsenal, with the Gunners turning a game the Reds had controlled for long periods on its head with three goals in the space of five minutes.

Stalemate at Emirates Stadium has kept Liverpool looking over their shoulder in the battle for Champions League spots.

Klopp’s side sit fourth in the table, but Tottenham and Arsenal are only one point back while surprise package Burnley are just three points adrift and still very much in the hunt.