Liverpool star says top-four finish would be ‘success’ for former champions
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho believes finishing in the Premier League’s top four would count as a successful season for Liverpool, given their worrying position in the table just two months ago.
The reigning champions can close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea to a single point with victory at already-relegated West Brom on Sunday. That is despite the top four looking well out of reach after a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham back in March. That was the Reds’ sixth successive league defeat at Anfield.
However, since that reverse, Jurgen Klopp’s men have gone seven league games unbeaten. And they reignited their Champions League qualification hopes with a thumping 4-2 win at Manchester United in midweek.
When asked if finishing in the top four would make it a successful season, Fabinho told Sky Sports: “If you asked me at the beginning of the season, I would say no.
“At the beginning we are always optimistic, I would talk about winning trophies.
“Right now, I would say yes because the season has been a little bit strange. After the injuries, the bad moments we’ve had, being in the top four would mean a success.”
Liverpool will clinch a top-four finish with victory in their three remaining outings, while also overhauling Leicester’s goal difference advantage of one.
After Sunday’s trip to the Hawthorns, they head to Burnley on Wednesday night before finishing with a home clash against Crystal Palace on May 23.
“Now is the decisive part of the season,” said Fabinho. “We have three finals to play, to win.
“We have to try and play our best football but in finals you have to win. If we don’t play our best but can get the three points, I will take it because that is what we need in this moment.”
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Liverpool handed boost over Neuhaus deal
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been informed that they can sign Florian Neuhaus this summer – after it was claimed the midfielder was ready to prioritise a move to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards are looking to strengthen all areas of their squad after a disappointing campaign. Much of the focus has been on bringing in more depth in the centre of defence. To that end, it seems likely a £34m swoop for a talented cenre-half has been given the green light. However, the club are also eyeing up midfield reinforcements with Georginio Wijnaldum appearing destined to leave.
Wijnaldum is in the final few months of his contract and looks likely to leave as a free agent. And with Thiago Alcantara yet to show his true quality on a regular basis, Liverpool will be keen to boost their options in that department.
Neuhaus recently emerged as a target to replace Wijnaldum in the summer. The 24-year-old has provided six goals and five assists in the Bundesliga this season and would offer another element to Liverpool’s engine room.
Now, according to SportsBILD, Neuhaus’ move to Anfield this summer is ‘highly-conceivable’. They state that there is no ‘internal commitment’ for Neuhaus to stay at Borussia Monchengladbach this summer.
Neuhaus only has eyes for Liverpool
Furthermore, and despite competition for his signature, Neuhaus has reportedly decided that he’ll only leave Gladbach for Liverpool this summer.
The midfielder has a €40m exit clause in his deal, though that fee looks unlikely in the modern climate. Were he to push for a move, however, there could be some room for negotiation there.
However, a strong European Championships with Germany could yet strengthen their case to hold out for a top fee.
All the same, the article claims the player wants to play in the Champions League next season. Were Liverpool to make the top four, that would further their credentials at signing a man tipped to reach the top.
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