Joel Matip is backing Liverpool to secure a top-four Premier League finish at the end of the season thanks to the 'positive effects' of their recent training camp.

The Reds are back at Melwood this week after a four-day stay in La Manga, Spain that allowed manager Jürgen Klopp to make small tweaks on the training pitches ahead of the run-in.

And Matip says he and his teammates can expect to reap the rewards of their brief absence from Merseyside in the coming weeks.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: "Spending some time closer with the team, I think this will have some positive effects. 

"We could focus and train really hard and I think we are on a good way. 

"If you spend time [together] you speak more with your teammates, you get more connected. 

"We all have to improve our [team spirit], [it's] always getting better - and this was a good chance to do this."

With Chelsea seemingly out of sight, Liverpool look to be embroiled in a five-way battle for one of three remaining Champions League qualification spots.

But, when asked about the chances of making the cut, Matip confidently replied: "I think we have the quality to go there and be on a good way. 

"If we show our quality, I'm positive we will do this."

The Reds' final 13 games of 2016-17 will close the curtain on what has been Matip's maiden campaign with the club.

The former Schalke defender remains delighted to have made the switch to Anfield and feels he has settled in nicely. 

"It was my first real change and this was all new," he added.

"At the beginning it was not always easy but all the people gave me a really warm welcome and it was nice to be here. 

"Everybody helped me and that's why I really feel at home. I've got a good feeling being here."