Liverpool moved to within four points of Manchester City after their 2-0 win against Newcastle and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers believes the Premier League champions have ‘opened the door’ to his side’s Champions League qualification chances.
Goals from Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen reignited Liverpool’s chances of a top four finish as they closed the gap on fourth following City’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester United.
And with just five games remaining, Rodgers thinks there will plenty more twists in the race for Europe.
“It’s a very important result,” Rodgers told Sky Sports.
“We knew we had to win. Manchester City have maybe opened up the door for the teams below but for us we’ve still got to win our games.
“The teams above us are obviously in the advantageous position but if we win our games and, importantly, perform well then we’ll see what happens.
“In the last five games of the season there are still so many twists in it yet. As long as we can win the games it keeps putting pressure on the teams above us.”
Rodgers sprung a surprise tactically at Anfield with Phillipe Coutinho playing in a false nine position and the Liverpool manager praised the Brazilian’s performance as ‘incredible’.
He added: “I thought he was incredible tonight. I thought he showed that he’s really up there with the very best in the most competitive league in the world.
“I played him that sort of role just in front of the centre-halves thinking we could exploit the space in between their midfield and the centre-halves. I thought he was sensational.
“He’s a young player who came in and we only paid £8million for him which was purely down to Inter Milan needing funds. It was nothing to do with ability. I’d seen him play as an 18-year-old in the Champions League against top class players.
“He was a kid who has always had ability but he’s become stronger and a lot more tactically aware. You can see he really orchestrates the game for us and it was an outstanding performance. He’s had a wonderful season.”
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