Jurgen Klopp was standing in part of his legacy as his thoughts turned to another aspect of it. Now, the off-field decisions are being taken by others. “I just try to provide the basis for the future,” he said. Liverpool’s deluxe training ground is part of it. So is the team that he has reshaped in the last couple of years. There is an added element of uncertainty with his imminent departure, the possibility that his side will be broken up. But Klopp is confident that Liverpool 2.0 will not die, that the project will continue without its architect.

“The basis we created is really good and that was the job, I thought,” he said. “Liverpool 2.0 does not end with me. It’s just the new Liverpool. It’s just the start. They can make the next steps.” This season has been a leap forward. Qualification for the Champions League had long looked a formality but became a mathematical certainty on Thursday. “It is an achievement,” Klopp said. “Does it feel for everyone like that? Maybe not.”

Match preview by Richard Jolly

“I love the challenge,” says defiant Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou is relishing the challenge at Tottenham and remains unwavering in his belief that he can bring success to the club.

Spurs travel to Anfield on Sunday eager to avoid four consecutive defeats after a rocky period under the Australian.

Postecoglou was extremely animated during Thursday’s loss at Chelsea but reflected on the task at hand with a sense of calm and confidence before the trip to Liverpool.

“When things are running smoothly, it’s almost like ‘what the hell am I doing here?’ You want the challenge. That’s where we all get tested,” Postecoglou said.

“I love that aspect of it and I’ve had it in every job I’ve had. When I say I love it, it’s usually I love it when I come out the other side. Not when I’m going through it.

“At the same time, what a great challenge. It was always going to come and it will still come. I’m talking about success. Imagine the scrutiny and the pressure we’ll be under when we’re on the cusp of success at this club?

“Can you imagine the questioning that will come around then about the history of this club and how it falls at the final hurdle? You’ve got to embrace that. That’s always going to be there. Nothing’s going to run smoothly.

“I do, I love this challenge because this is why I do what I do. It’s up to me. Like I said after the Chelsea game, the responsibility lies with me.”

“Pressure is off” for Liverpool, Klopp admits

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp accepts the pressure is now off after dropping out of the title race and he wants his players to enjoy their final three games with him.

Klopp, who leaves at the end of the season, believes his side will not overtake rivals Arsenal or Manchester City in the Premier League.

“The pressure is off now,” he said. “That’s done. It would be really cool if we could play really good football again because obviously we were very tense in the last few weeks.

“For a while we obviously looked like we can go all the way. Or at least stay in the race for longer, which was definitely possible (but) for different reasons that didn’t work out.

“Probably third place in the league behind two teams who do really well and they go all the way, that’s how it looks right now.

“I know mathematically there’s still a chance; it is not over yet, I know that but it looks like it.”

Two out of form sides meet at Anfield in the Premier League as Liverpool host Tottenham on Sunday (4.30pm, Sky Sport Main Event).

The Reds’ title dream has collapsed over the last month, winning only one of their last five in the Premier League. Unless both Arsenal and Manchester City fall apart in their final few matches, Jurgen Klopp will bow out with just the EFL Cup to show for his efforts in his final campaign.

Tottenham’s hopes of reaching the Champions League have taken a huge hit with three defeats on the spin. The wheels have come off for Ange Postecoglou’s men at the worst time and they could be 10 points behind fourth-placed Villa by kick-off on Sunday.

Anything other than a win at Anfield would likely end their hopes of playing in Europe’s elite competition next season.

Football betting sites make Liverpool odds-on to win on Sunday and you can get a price of 5/1 for Spurs to snatch the three points on the road.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Konate, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Emerson; Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Richarlison.

Ange Postecoglou suggested that he may have to rotate his side after the defeat to Chelsea, saying that several of his squad “feeling the effects of the game”. Injuries to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies will likely mean Emerson Royal continues at left-back.

Diogo Jota will be out again for Liverpool, while Virgil van Dijk has also emerged as a doubt having missed training this week. Conor Bradley coud return, though.

When is Liverpool vs Tottenham?

Liverpool vs Tottenham is due to kick off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday 5 May at Anfield.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage on the channels from 4pm. Subscibers can stream the action via Sky Go.

If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have had their title charge derailed by a defeat to Everton and draw at West Ham, with a win here a must to preserve even slim hopes of sending their departing manager off in style.

Spurs, meanwhile, have hit a serious skid, a defeat to Chelsea on Thursday their third successive loss.

A first campaign under Ange Postecoglou that began well is threatening to end poorly, with fourth place now surely out of reach.

Here’s everything you need too know.