Jurgen Klopp deserves better than what's happening and Liverpool players know it

Some 488 down, just three to go. And while nobody is kidding themselves these are the most significant assignments of Jurgen Klopp's tenure, they will nevertheless resonate long after his departure from Liverpool.

Having gained a reputation of ending seasons strongly under Klopp, the Reds are now limping towards the finishing line having seen their Premier League title hopes banished over the last four weeks.

Even if they win their remaining games - visits of Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves sandwich a trip to Aston Villa - Liverpool can at most take 20 points from their final 30 games, a decent return for most clubs but one that matches their lowest of the last six seasons, and even that came after the championship was wrapped up in record time in 2019/20.

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There are, of course, unique circumstances for the current situation, not least that the manager will be leaving and some focus has shifted towards speculation over the incoming new manager, with the Reds having settled on Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.

Klopp has started to be questioned in some quarters for the timing of the announcement of his imminent departure back in January, with critics suggesting it has overshadowed Liverpool of late. And his unseemly touchline spat with Mohamed Salah at West Ham United at the weekend was seen as evidence of the squad perhaps no longer being fully invested in a manager they know is only weeks away from an exit.

But the Reds managed pretty well in the two months immediately afterwards and won the League Cup along the way. And there is zero chance Klopp's decision would have not leaked by this stage of the season, nor speculation not been sparked by Liverpool looking at possible successors.

Interestingly, the only other time a Reds manager had served lengthy notice of his departure - Bob Paisley in the 1982/83 season - Liverpool lost six of their last seven games, although the title had effectively been secured by that point.

Such has been the overachievement of Klopp's new-look side this term that the inevitable dip prompted by a major injury crisis endured during much of the season has prompted talk of a meltdown within the squad. It's nothing quite that dramatic, though - merely fatigue and lack of rhythm among too many players, and the manager eventually running out of ways in which to keep his team fresh.

But there's no doubt there has been an emotional drain on the squad given the growing realisation they don't quite possess enough to ensure Klopp a glorious farewell and earn a Premier League winners' medal. Some have, dare it be said, appeared to be feeling a bit sorry for themselves in some recent outings.

“Everybody is disappointed but we have to go forward now," says Ryan Gravenberch, one of those to have impressed in the last few weeks. "Of course as a player you want to win prizes and now it will be really difficult. You have to keep dreaming and keep believing always, but it will be really hard for us. Tottenham is this week and we have to prepare for that – and we will do."

And Klopp isn't quite finished yet. "What do we have now? 75 points?" he said after the final whistle of Saturday's 2-2 draw at West Ham. "84 possible and I think it is a good target to try to do that. That is what will be my attitude, my mindset and we will see what that means."

Liverpool achieved the success they have under Klopp through unity and focus on a common goal. And while it may not be more silverware, a strong finish to the campaign would ensure Klopp's time doesn't end with a complete damp squib.

After everything the manager has done for this squad - whether it be provide trophies or offer a foundation for the future - it's the very least that should be expected. And their attitude over the next three weeks will be hugely instructive to Klopp's replacement.