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Former Liverpool winger John Barnes believes character reasonably than high quality has been the distinction on this season’s Premier League title race.
Arne Slot’s aspect want only a draw to win a second title in 5 years as solely two league defeats all season has left them 12 factors clear with 5 matches remaining.
Barnes gained two league titles with the membership and was a member of the 1990 aspect which was the final to win the championship earlier than a 30-year wait was ended by Jurgen Klopp and he sees similarities with the workforce of his period.
“It’s nothing to do with the standard of the squad, it’s to do with the character of the squad as a result of all of them have good gamers,” the 61-year-old, who’s attending Sunday’s London Marathon to encourage runners at Lucozade’s Convey The Power Zone, informed the PA information company.
“The character of the gamers is why we’re the place we’re.
“Character is about successful soccer matches, not titles. For those who have a look at what we now have completed within the final month – not withstanding dropping to Newcastle and Paris St Germain – we haven’t performed glowing soccer however we’ve bought the job completed.
“You want your character not if you find yourself enjoying effectively and you’re successful, it’s if you find yourself struggling, and that’s what Liverpool have completed and why they’re nonetheless 12 factors clear.”
Klopp’s departure final summer season was a pivotal second however Slot and the gamers have dealt with the transition remarkably.
Common opinion was a top-four end would have been acceptable within the Dutchman’s debut season but Liverpool have surpassed expectations and Barnes thinks that has loads to do with how gamers have responded to the change.
“The mentality (for the workforce of his period) was, as soon as it’s gone you set it to the aspect and transfer ahead,” he added.
“We misplaced towards Arsenal in 1989, we put that defeat to the aspect, and we went into the following season with the suitable mentality and dedication.
“We didn’t wallow in self-pity and despair, despite the fact that we misplaced within the final minute of the season.
“A variety of the credit score goes to the gamers as they’ve purchased into what the brand new supervisor needs as a result of we now have seen the place managers like (Sir Alex) Ferguson and (Arsene) Wenger have left and gamers haven’t responded to the brand new supervisor.
“It will be simple for them in the event that they didn’t need to do it as a result of no-one would have blamed the gamers, they’d have stated ‘Arne Slot isn’t adequate’.”
Barnes believes that mentality will stand them in good stead for the problem of defending their title subsequent season.
“While you win you don’t get carried away and really feel how nice you’re as a result of you may simply fall away within the following season,” he stated.
“Sure, we’ve gained however that doesn’t imply swiftly it’s going to be simple subsequent season.
“It’s going to be equally as exhausting however wanting on the gamers’ angle I’ve no concern – and I’m not saying they’ll win the league subsequent 12 months as Man Metropolis and Arsenal will come once more – however we can be difficult, which is all you may ask.”
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