'Being back in the top four will give LFC a massive lift'
Regaining a spot in the Premier League's top four should provide Liverpool with a 'massive' boost as the season enters its closing stages, Vladimir Smicer believes.
Saturday’s impressive 3-1 victory over Arsenal at Anfield saw the Reds replace the Gunners in the division’s Champions League qualification spots.
And Smicer - who, of course, played a key role in Liverpool’s 2005 triumph in European football’s premier club competition - thinks Jürgen Klopp’s team will feel the psychological benefits of being back among the top four as they bid to finish the campaign strongly.
“It’s massive because the gap between the teams is now very tiny,” the former midfielder told Liverpoolfc.com, while in Hong Kong for the third edition of LFC World.
“There’s not a big difference, so you can win two games and be second or lose two games and be sixth, so any result is very, very important.
“We knew we had to win [against Arsenal] because it gives you confidence and the players can feel again that they’re in the top four. That’s very important for us.
“After this game I’m more optimistic that we can finish in the top four.”
LFCTV GO: Watch the Reds' win over Arsenal in 90 seconds
First-half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane put Liverpool in charge on Saturday, before Georginio Wijnaldum wrapped up the three points in stoppage-time after Danny Welbeck had pulled one back for the visitors.
The Reds have now won five and drawn four of their nine fixtures with other members of the Premier League’s top six so far this term, and Smicer fully expected a good display against the Gunners.
“It was impressive and it doesn’t surprise me. We played against a big team, against Arsenal, they had a lot to play for as well, but again we showed good form and we know we do well against these top teams,” the ex-Czech Republic international said.
“I think the key was being at home, because after losing 3-1 at Leicester there was good support from the fans and the players had more confidence.
“We played well, physically we were on top of our game and there were some good performances. It was a top team performance and I think we can stay positive until the end of the season.”
Next up for Liverpool is a home meeting with Burnley on Sunday, with Smicer feeling that Klopp’s team will likely have revenge on their minds having lost to the Clarets in the reverse fixture back in August.
“Definitely, especially as they know the next game is against Man City [on March 19],” he replied, when asked if the Reds will believe they have a point to prove against Burnley.
“They need these points to be secure, to stay in the top four, and prepare well for the Man City game.”