Jurgen Klopp would rather give away his own Premier League winner’s medal to one of the Liverpool youngsters than hand them appearances just to ensure they clock up the five matches required to automatically qualify for one.
Klopp is not a fan of this particular rule, but he won’t go down the route of cheapening the price of pulling on the Liverpool shirt just because the title is won and there is nothing at stake in the final six games.
The Reds can still overtake Manchester City’s record points total of 100 from two seasons ago.
And while five of their six remaining opponents are fighting to avoid relegation or secure European football, Klopp recognises their duty to the rest of the league.
The likes of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Neco Williams fall into this category.
But Klopp wants them to understand the importance of earning their spot in Liverpool’s star-studded team.
Yet as a manager, the German knows that titles are not just won on the pitch but on the training ground.
So everyone who contributes there has also had a helping hand in their ultimate success.
“I would prefer to think about the rule again, and make it happen that if you play one game then you should have a medal, and not five games,” he says.
“I don’t know who came up with that idea.
“I don’t think it is a good rule because if people don’t understand how important the squad is to win the championship then I can’t help them.
Lessons for Liverpool…
5 runaway champions who failed to defend their crown – from Spurs in ’61 to Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’
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“If you have zero games but you are part of the squad you should get a medal.
“If you don’t all train at the highest level then you have no chance to win the championship.
“These boys will get a medal, 100%. They can have my medal.
“They deserve it and they will get a medal, if not from the Premier League then from me.
“We just want to do it because it is the case. But we want to win and we do not give Premier League games away like sweets.
“It is about who fits best in the formation. But if they are around, they are really close – there are no Premier League games just for fun.”
Tomorrow’s opponents Aston Villa are in desperate need of points themselves as they try to avoid relegation, although Liverpool will want to mark their first home game – albeit at an empty Anfield – as English Champions for 30 years in style.
The 4-0 defeat at Manchester City on Thursday will quickly be forgotten as the Reds look to maintain their 100% home record, one of the bedrocks of their runaway title success.
Villa Park win was crucial
However, Klopp believes the 2-1 win at Villa Park in November was one of the pivotal moments of their season.
Trailing going into the 87th minute, late goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane turned it around.
From potentially having their lead cut to three points by City and their unbeaten start to the season ended, they won to ease the pressure.
Victory over Guardiola’s men in the next game stretched the advantage to nine and set them firmly on course.
“What I loved most was how Robbo took the ball when he equalised,” adds Klopp.
“Everybody knew that even if you don’t win the game, you should at least give it a try.
“When you have to shout as a manager: ‘Come on, two minutes to go, we have a chance’, you pretty much have no chance.
“But if the players do it by themselves, then you know they are ready. That attitude is so important.”
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