Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool should win award for ‘biggest development jump’

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that anyone who wants to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title in the future must be “close to perfection”, but is confident that his side will be able to compete again next season.

Liverpool lost out to Pep Guardiola’s side by a single point, ending the season on 97 points, a tally that would have been enough to lift the title in every other season bar the past two. During that time, City have amassed 198 points in two campaigns, setting the bar incredibly high.

“We should get an award for the biggest development jump I can remember,” Klopp said after a final day win against Wolves.

“It’s not easy but we’ve made a big step. Everyone knows we’ll go again 100 per cent — but in these moments if you really want some thing you have to feel this.

“If we’re ready to make the next step we’ll make that next step. That’s the plan.”

‘Quality and power’

Liverpool lost one game all season — to City in January — but Klopp insisted he is unconcerned that they will not have a hope of getting close to the form of this campaign again.

“I’m not worried,” he said. “That’s the season we played and next season is a different season. As long as City are with quality and power they have it’s not that any other team will pass them easily. We have to be very close to perfection to win the Premier League.”