Graeme Souness believes ‘slightly pragmatic’ Liverpool can win Premier League title

Liverpool lead Manchester City by four points at the top of the Premier League and boast the best defensice record in the division

Carl Markham
Wednesday 23 January 2019 08:05 EST
Comments
Premier League: Jurgen Klopp 'relieved' following Liverpool beating Crystal Palace while Manchester City win 3-0 over Huddersfield

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness believes manager Jurgen Klopp's pragmatism will end the club's 29-year wait for the title.

The Reds currently lead Manchester City by four points at the top of the Premier League and, despite their 4-3 aberration at home to Crystal Palace last weekend, have the best defensive record in the top flight.

That is a departure from last season, when a thrilling attacking approach also led to them leaking damaging goals.

This time around just 13 goals conceded in 23 matches has lifted Klopp's side into pole position to lift the title for the first time since 1990.

"As well as being a great watch, Liverpool are a pretty pragmatic team as well," Souness, who won five championships as a player for the side, told the club's website.

"They are a pretty strong outfit when they're not dominant, they're still capable of winning games. That makes them a dangerous team.

"It makes you league champions when you can win games without being at your best.

Liverpool have a lead of four points in the Premier League
Liverpool have a lead of four points in the Premier League (AFP/Getty)

"I've got a sneaky feeling Liverpool will win it this year because of the slightly pragmatic way they can play at times.

"I don't think they've been like that in the past; it was all about winning a game 3-0 instead of just 1-0.

"You wouldn't want to swap their place for anyone else, you'd far prefer to be four points ahead.

"If you can, keep that four-point advantage and it's first to blink really, in the long-term.

"It's not theirs to lose, there's a long way to go and City are a really good team.

"Just keep your nerve and treat the next game as the most important one, don't look too far ahead."

​PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in