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Jurgen Klopp throws down the gauntlet to his Liverpool players declaring he'll only be satisfied with a top four finish

The Reds sit third in the Premier League following the win at Stoke and appear to be in the box seat with what looks on paper to be a favourable run in

Wednesday 12 April 2017 14:58 BST

Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a strong end to the season (Getty)

Jurgen Klopp has thrown down the gauntlet to his Liverpool players insisting he will only be happy with a top four finish.

The Reds sit third in the Premier League following the comeback win at Stoke at the weekend and appear to be in the box seat with what looks on paper to be a favourable run in.

Klopp's side had a taste of Champions League football back in 2014/15 but failed to progress from the group stages behind Real Madrid and Basel.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

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1/24Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Lee Grant – 6 out of 10

Caught off his line by Firmino, but in truth, was little else he could do about such an inch-perfect strike.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Glen Johnson – 5 out of 10

Initially comfortable against his former club but, like many of his teammates, faded as the game went on.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Bruno Martins Indi – 5 out of 10

Too easily let Firmino slip for Liverpool’s second after a long ball over the top.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Ryan Shawcross – 6 out of 10

Has the measure of Origi, but struggled once up against the quality of Firmino.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Erik Pieters – 6 out of 10

Another who was not troubled by anything Liverpool tried in the first half, but Clyne proved to be a much tougher opponent than Alexander-Arnold.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Xherdan Shaqiri – 8 out of 10

Enjoyed himself against Clyne, especially for the goal, producing an inch-perfect cross for Walters.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Geoff Cameron – 6 out of 10

Had no trouble with Liverpool’s midfield in the first half but was overran as the visitors gained momentum in the second.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Joe Allen – 6 out of 10

Injured early on in a challenge and forced off, will be disappointed to not have lasted against his former club. Replaced by Charlie Adam.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Marko Arnautovic – 7 out of 10

Had his way with Liverpool’s makeshift backline before the break but saw his influence diminish in the second half.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Saido Berahino – 5 out of 10

Really should have levelled the score when presented with a simple tap in a few yards out.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Jonathan Walters – 7 out of 10

A handful for Liverpool’s defence and took his goal well, but was fading by the time he was replaced.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Simon Mignolet – 9 out of 10

Saved his team on several occasions, particularly with two brilliant point-blank saves.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4 out of 10

Like his fellow teenager Woodburn, struggled with the physicality of the game. Perhaps should not have been thrown in at the deep end, was subbed at half time.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Ragnar Klavan – 4 out of 10

Continued his worrying vein of form with another disappointing performance. Never looked comfortable up against a runner like Arnautovic.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Joel Matip – 4 out of 10

Should have blocked the cross for Walters’ goal but appeared to duck out of its way.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Dejan Lovren – 6 out of 10

Will be unfairly singled out for the goal, was left with three men to mark.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Nathaniel Clyne – 6 out of 10

Could have done better to track Shaqiri and prevent the cross for Walters’ goal. Massive improvement in the second half on his preferred right flank, especially offensively.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Emre Can – 5 out of 10

Another underwhelming display, though it featured moments when Can showed he can be the all-action, bustling midfield presence Liverpool need. Those moments were too rare.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Georginio Wijnaldum – 4 out of 10

One of his poorest displays in a Liverpool shirt, one with many mistimed tackles. Heading a Stoke corner back into his own box at the start of the second half was suicidal.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

James Milner – 7 out of 10

Probably Liverpool’s best outfield player before Coutinho and Firmino’s introductions, but that was not saying much. Adapted well to a midfield role after spending the season at left-back.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Ben Woodburn – 4 out of 10

Will feel he deserved a penalty just prior to Stoke’s goal, but ultimately, the incident was an example of how easily he was bullied.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Divock Origi – 6 out of 10

Struggled alone up top in the first half but also lacked any kind of service. Replaced by Daniel Sturridge.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Philippe Coutinho – 9 out of 10

Even when under the weather, the best player on the pitch. The game changed following his introduction.

Stoke 1 Liverpool 2 player ratings

Roberto Firmino – 8 out of 10

Superbly taken goal. He may be tired, but Klopp cannot afford to rest him over the coming weeks.

But the German is focused on returning to the competition next term.

"I will only be satisfied if we reach the Champions League," he told Sky in Germany.

Liverpool head into the clash with West Brom on Sunday on a run of six games unbeaten but still have Manchester United and Arsenal breathing down their necks for a spot in the top four.

And Klopp knows his team must keep winning if they're to keep the chasing pack at bay.

"You are always under pressure," he added. "In every game there is pressure.

"You need to win all the time. I'm only satisfied when the team wins."

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