Jurgen Klopp remains confident about Liverpool’s top four chances despite Crystal Palace defeat

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool have not blown their chance of securing Champions League football next season despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The loss leaves the door open for Manchester United and Arsenal to catch them in the race for the top four - who both have games in hand over the Reds.

But Klopp remained bullish about his side’s chances of finishing in the top four thanks to their current points advantage.

"I know there are a lot of people around thinking 'Oh my God, Champions League slips through our fingers again' but only if we let it slip," Klopp said.

"We have to try everything and we will try everything. Our job is to squeeze everything out of the season we can squeeze.

"Obviously it is not easy for us, that is not a surprise."

Christian Benteke returned to haunt his former side at Anfield after bagging two goals for Sam Allardyce’s men in a memorable win for the Eagles.

The Belgian striker notched his fifth league goal on Merseyside - more than the four he managed in a Liverpool shirt - to continue Palace’s impressive recent form.

And Klopp could not hide his dissatisfaction with his defence’s handling of Benteke as Liverpool suffered another damaging defeat.

"Christian Benteke is an outstandingly good striker, absolutely no doubt about it," said the German, who sold the striker in the summer.

"But if you leave him alone like we did for the first goal I am not sure he needed all his skills for this goal. It makes no sense to leave him alone.

"For the second goal just one player reacted and that is our mistake."