Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool must endure difficult times for rejuvenation.

The Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, remains determined to keep his side pushing until the end of the current campaign, despite hope of a top-four finish continuing to fade. As they head into Sunday’s clash at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal 10 points adrift of Manchester United, it seems the consolation would likely be the Europa League or even Europa Conference League. However, Klopp refuses to contemplate the benefits of a season without European football and will not think about that until Liverpool’s fate is decided.

If Liverpool does not make European football, it could prove beneficial to their rebuilding process. However, according to Klopp, “It is not about what I could consider, it is about what we get. I don’t know where we will end up. What I know is that we have to go through this. That’s it, that’s what I know, and then there will be a new start, naturally because it’s a new season. But until then, we have to go through this, and that’s a super challenge and a massive challenge obviously in this (modern) world.”

Klopp made six changes for the dismal draw at Chelsea in midweek, including dropping the likes of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. While Salah has, like the rest of the squad, performed below his usual high standards he has not had the scrutiny which has come Alexander-Arnold’s way as a defender. With Virgil van Dijk (after illness) and Andy Robertson (rested) both set to return to the back four, Klopp could continue with Joe Gomez at right-back to face Arsenal. But either way he stressed that should not mean it makes Alexander-Arnold a talking point yet again.

Addressing Alexander-Arnold’s form this season, Klopp said, “Not as good or consistent as he used to be, like pretty much all of the boys. Do you expect me to say he played a world-class season and I leave him out anyway? That makes no sense. No, nobody performed on the level we saw and the level we know they can. In moments, yes, of course. Great games, fantastic games, super situations, but consistently nobody, no. Him not as well.”

According to Klopp, Liverpool has to care about the next game, win a game and another and another, and they are capable of doing that. Klopp’s infamous quote – “We go again” – couldn’t be more fitting for Liverpool’s current situation, with the club hoping to push on and improve next season, regardless of this season’s outcome.