Coming second in Premier League title race won't be failure for Liverpool, says Barnes

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The Reds legend insists the current squad can hold their heads up high at the end of the season regardless of whether or not they win any silverware

Liverpool's 2018-19 campaign should not be deemed as a failure if they fall short in a Premier League title bid, according to John Barnes.

Jurgen Klopp's side are second in the table with three matches of the season remaining,Â a point behind reigning champions ManchesterÂ City.

The Reds are on course to amass a whopping 97 points, which would be the highest tally in their entire history, but they may still end up finishing second.

A Champions League semi-final against Barcelona also beckons in May, with the prospect of a glorious double coming closer into view with each passing game.

However, ahead of a crucial home clash against Huddersfield TownÂ on Friday, Barnes has insisted that the club have made great strides forward even if trophies are not forthcoming at Anfield come the end of May.

â€œWhen people say coming second is a failure, no one can convince me that 97 points and losing one game is a failure,â€ the ex-Liverpool midfielder told talkSPORT.

â€œPlus, weâ€™re in the Champions League semi-final against a Barcelona team that is one of the best ever.

â€œSo even if we are beaten by Barcelona and finish second, for me, itâ€™s been an incredible season that shows weâ€™re moving forward.

â€œNext season weâ€™ll be there or thereabouts once again.â€

After facing off against the Terriers, Klopp's men must take in a trip to Newcastle and a home game against Wolves to wrap up their domestic campaign, while negotiating their two-legged European tie with Barcelona in between.

City seized the initiative in the title race with a stunning 2-0 win over arch-rivals Manchester United on Wednesday, with many experts and supporters now backing the champions to successfully defend their crown.

It has been suggested that Pep Guardiola's team have struck a significant mental blow to Liverpool with their latest win, but Barnes expects his old club to maintain their focus.

â€œBefore Barcelona, we have to play Huddersfield and beat them to keep the pressure on Man City," he added.

â€œBut nothing Manchester City does affects Liverpool, because Jurgen Klopp has the players playing with commitment, determination and energy, regardless of whether itâ€™s against Barcelona or Huddersfield.

â€œYou see what Liverpool put in every performance, they donâ€™t prioritise one game over another, Klopp says to take every game one at a time and give your all, so it won't affect the Barcelona situation one iota.â€

2019-04-25 18:00:03

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