Klavan ready for a 'big fight' at Stoke
Ragnar Klavan is prepared for a ‘big fight’ as Liverpool look to return to winning ways at Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.
A late equaliser from Joshua King saw the Reds drop two points in their quest for Champions League qualification with a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Anfield on Wednesday night.
They have an opportunity to get that disappointment out of their system quickly, though, with a trip to the Potteries coming up this weekend.
Liverpool will not face any team currently placed in the top seven of the Premier League in their final seven games of the season, but Klavan is anticipating a series of hard-fought battles as they strive to secure a top-four finish - starting against Mark Hughes’ side.
“It’s always a big fight, it could be more physical. Their playing style is a bit different,” the defender said.
“There are going to be some really tough games for us coming up.
“It is going to be tight. The lower teams have the pressure of getting points to stay in the league. It makes it interesting, for sure, but either way it doesn’t make it easy for us.”
However, Klavan remains confident that the Reds can achieve their aim of returning to European football’s premier club competition.
“It wasn’t good [against Bournemouth] but there are plenty of games left and we have to keep on fighting and believing,” the No.17 added.
“We are one team, we always stick together in the good times and the bad times. This is also the reason I believe we can finish in the top four because of the team spirit.
“We know we have had bad luck this season with injuries and stuff but we keep on fighting with that spirit.”