Jamie Redknapp: Reds must deal with title nerves
February 2, 2019
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp insists dealing with nerves could be vital if the Anfield club are to end their title famine this season.
 
Jurgen Klopp’s team moved five points clear of champions Manchester City on Wednesday evening despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester at Anfield.
With City having slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle 24 hours earlier, it was an opportunity for Liverpool to establish a seven-point gap and they were in front after two minutes when Sadio Mane scored.
Leicester levelled via Harry Maguire and, in the second half, Liverpool’s free-flowing attacking football went missing somewhat.
According to Redknapp, it was a definite chance missed given the City result and he now feels Liverpool have a point to prove in regards to holding their nerve and completing the job of winning a first top-flight title in almost 30 years.
“You can dress it up as a point gained on Manchester City but it felt like a miss,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“At home, against Leicester, whose results have been up and down, it was a big opportunity to make the gap even bigger, but they will have to get used to it.
“Nerves will play a big part, that’s inevitable.” Liverpool are firm favourites at 1.44 to win the title, with Manchester City now 2.75 following their misadventure at Newcastle.
The talent is in Klopp’s squad but, recalling his own time on Merseyside as a player, Redknapp admits that getting over that winning line isn’t easy.
“They haven’t won the league in so long. I remember there were times when I was there and we got close and the feeling and anxiety goes next level,” he added.
“The players and the fans want it so badly, but you have to control your emotions. It was a tough one last night and they have to bounce back on Monday at West Ham.”
