MX23RW : Friday, May 26 12:18:21| >> :60:186:186:
[monks data]
Liverpool logo
Premier League | Gameweek 33
Jul 5, 2020 at 4.30pm UK
Anfield
Aston Villa logo
Liverpool
2 - 0
Aston Villa
Mane (71'), Jones (89')
Robertson (20')
FT(HT: 0-0)

McGinn (36')

Jurgen Klopp responds to Thiago Alcantara transfer speculation

The Reds are closing in on Manchester City's record of 100 points for the season.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted breaking records is not the club's target this season after a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa took them a step closer to more landmarks.

Sadio Mane's sixth goal in as many games against Villa and a maiden Premier League strike from teenager Curtis Jones, who signed a new five-year contract on Saturday, came in the final quarter of a laboured win for the new champions over their relegation-threatened visitors.

It put them within 11 points of equalling Manchester City's 100-point tally for a season while also bringing up their 17th successive home league win this season and 24th in a row in total.

Curtis Jones (left) scored Liverpool's second against Aston Villa
Curtis Jones (left) scored Liverpool's second against Aston Villa (Paul Ellis/NMC Pool)

For Klopp, however, the focus remains only on winning the next game.

"We didn't come here and have the numbers we have because we thought about breaking records. We were always focused 100 per cent on the game and that will not change," he said.

"Hopefully in the future, when the record ends or the season ends, I can start thinking about it.

"I don't even know the numbers – I know we have 89 points but it is not a big thing.

"If we can do something special it is great but we really don't think too much about it.

"If we want to have record points pretty much we have to win all the games, it's not complicated. The boys know it and it's not necessary to mention it to this group.

"These boys are really fighting for these three points in a difficult game."

Liverpool struggled for fluency for the second match running since winning their first title in 30 years and Villa came closer than any other team in the last three years to winning a league match at Anfield.

Klopp, who pointed to the strong wind being a significant factor, accepted they were far from their best but was pleased by how his players responded, especially when the introduction of Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum meant he could field his strongest line-up for the final 30 minutes.

"Not everyone will be happy I mention it but the wind made the game really tricky," he added.

"We are not the dominant team in this situation, which is why we had a few problems, but I liked how we stayed in the game and how the boys listened at half-time and in the first drinks break and I saw the improvement on the pitch.

"When the fresh players came on it was easier for them against a team which was really busy until then."

The Liverpool manager refused, however, to comment on speculation linking him with a transfer move for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

"Would you be surprised if I don't give an answer?" he said.

"Thiago is a really good player, like a lot of other players out there I like a lot, but that's all I have to say about it."

Dean Smith was disappointed with his side's performance in the final third
Dean Smith was disappointed with his side's performance in the final third (Carl Recine/NMC Pool)

Villa boss Dean Smith pointed to the quality in the final third as being the difference in the game.

"Unfortunately we didn't show the quality they showed in the final third for their goals," he said.

"We matched them for long periods but we never showed the quality in the final third they showed.

"We had good opportunities – a four-versus-two opportunity and a possible penalty shout in the first half.

"We need a bit of quality in the final third but also a bit of luck as well."

ID:405289: cacheID:405289:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8971:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on July 2, 2020
Read Next:
Sunday's Premier League predictions including Liverpool vs. Aston Villa
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City37285494326289
2Arsenal37256683434081
3Manchester UnitedMan Utd37226956421472
4Newcastle UnitedNewcastle371913567323570
5Liverpool37199971432866
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton371881171512062
7Aston Villa37177134945458
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs37176146662457
9Brentford371414957461156
10Fulham37157155451352
11Crystal Palace371111153948-944
12Chelsea371110163746-943
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37118183153-2241
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham37117194153-1240
15Bournemouth37116203770-3339
16Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest37910183767-3037
17Everton37712183357-2433
18Leicester CityLeicester3787224967-1831
19Leeds UnitedLeeds37710204774-2731
RSouthampton3766253269-3724

Ted Lasso creative

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!