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Jurgen Klopp admits his job is on the line if Liverpool's worrying slump in form continues

The Reds succumbed to a 3-1 loss at Leicester on Monday night - the side's fifth defeat in their last seven outings across all competitions

Samuel Lovett
Tuesday 28 February 2017 16:43 GMT
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Klopp has admitted his future could now be in question
Klopp has admitted his future could now be in question (Getty)

Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp has admitted that his job is on the line if his side don’t react to their worrying slump in form that has seen them drop out of the top four.

While they remain the only top-six side unbeaten against their rivals so far this season, their failure to get results off the league’s lesser sides has left them red-cheeked and frustratingly short of points.

This crippling mental block was showcased once again on Monday night as the Reds succumbed to a 3-1 defeat by a resurgent Leicester side.

A brace from Jamie Vardy and a stunning 25-yard half-volley from Danny Drinkwater sealed victory for the Foxes, condemning Liverpool to a fifth defeat in their last seven outings across all competitions.

Not only are the side’s title chances over, but the guarantee of a top four position now appears to be in question and Klopp has admitted that he and his men are now playing for their future.

Speaking after Monday’s match, Klopp said: “It's getting more serious now. We all play for our future, myself included. We get judged every day, especially on match days. Of course performances have influence on these things.

“I feel maximum responsible because I am. I hope I use the word 'we' and not 'they' because I'm involved in this.”

The Reds next play on Sunday and face top four rivals Arsenal. The Gunners remain one point ahead of Klopp’s side, despite playing a game less, and have the opportunity to further damage Liverpool’s top-four hopes.

Liverpool’s record against their top-six rivals bodes well, though Klopp expressed his relief that the Anfield club now have six full days to prepare for the visit of Arsene Wenger’s side.

He told Sky Sports: “Thank God we don't play tomorrow. We have to analyse the performance and react on it to win again.

“I'm worried but we have a week to prepare and we must show a reaction. I don't think [the players] aren't as good as I thought, but I think they need my help more to show it every week.”

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