Football
ESPN staff 8y

Liverpool can still challenge for European place, insists James Milner

James Milner has not given up hope of Liverpool finishing in the Premier League's top four this season, and insists the Reds have much to play for still in the league.

Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-0 at Anfield on to move within six points of the fourth Champions League place on Wednesday. And Milner, who scored the Reds' second in the win, has backed his team close in on a European place this season. 

"If we keep playing like that there is no reason why not," Milner said on Thursday. "We have a lot of games to go and a couple of big European games [against Manchester United in the Europa League]. Hopefully we can get through that so we have a lot still to play for this season.

"We were disappointed the other day [in the Capital One Cup final] and that is one chance gone. But hopefully that will drive us on and give the boys hunger. We were that close and we all want to win silverware, but it is important to finish the season strongly and take that momentum into next season."

Liverpool have been inconsistent this season, often struggling to score goals and keep clean sheets. Milner believes injuries have robbed Jurgen Klopp's side of their ability to find a rhythm.

"It is football, I suppose. We have had injuries and a lot of games and you cant find the tempo that you want all the time.

"But it is not like we are a team of 11 -- we have a good squad of players and a lot of quality. Everything is here for us to do well and I think that is why people get so frustrated when we don't perform to the level because we have shown what levels we can reach in that performance."

Klopp's energetic style has made him a popular figure at Anfield since taking over for the sacked Brendan Rodgers in October, despite the up and down results. According to Milner, the German's enthusiasm isn't restricted to the sidelines on match days.

"He is energetic. He gets his points across, he knows what he wants to say," Milner said. "He is different to other managers and I have worked under a lot of managers. That is good, it is not a bad thing.

"Every manager is always going to have his strengths and weaknesses. That energy he brings and that intensity is how he wants us to play football. He has come in and changed the style and it will take time to do it but we have shown at times this season we can do it and it is about consistency again. That is the biggest thing we have shown in spells."

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