'The Reds can look forward and finish season on a high'
Ray Houghton has encouraged Liverpool's players to look firmly to the future in their attempt to end the Premier League season on a high.
The former Reds midfielder, who won two league titles and two FA Cups with the club, believes Jürgen Klopp’s side are capable of a strong run-in.
After a two-week break from action, they return to the pitch against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday night.
And Houghton wants to see a repeat of the display which swept Tottenham Hotspur aside at Anfield last time out.
“After a really bad January we just have to look to the future now,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Jordan Henderson was so right when he said recently that it’s really important we finish the season on a high.
“We need to go into every game trying to win it and finish as high as we can.
“Because we have just the Premier League to focus on, Jürgen can put his best team out week in, week out - injuries permitting, of course - and make sure every game is like a cup final.”
On the Reds’ recent trip to La Manga during the gap between fixtures, Houghton commented: “The break might have done the players a bit of good and they can now get the focus back on the job in hand, which is three points at Leicester.
“I don’t think Jürgen needs to give a team-talk when he’s playing against the top six sides. Just look at Liverpool’s record - unbeaten against Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham, so their record is very good.
“It’s when we play against, if you like, perceived lesser teams [that Liverpool struggle]. So we just have to make sure we keep that focus, drive and ambition, be responsible and be patient.
“Leicester have some huge games coming up, so Liverpool will know they are in for a tough match.
“I remember the game at Anfield in September when Liverpool tore Leicester apart. They were superb that day, and hopefully they can continue that on Monday night.”
One man whose contribution could be decisive tomorrow evening is Sadio Mane.
The club’s leading scorer for the season, with 11 strikes so far, netted both goals in the recent 2-0 victory over Spurs.
Houghton considers the Senegal international pivotal to the Reds’ hopes of securing a top-four finish.
He explained: “There’s no doubt that when you watch Mane, he is one of those players who can take you from defence to attack very quickly and change the game for you.
“He’s a match-winner, he can score and create, and he’s settled in wonderfully well. He’s probably been the most consistent performer all season.
“I also feel there’s a few of the players coming back to full fitness now. The more games Philippe Coutinho plays, he will be much the better for it, Henderson as well is important in the midfield.”