John Giles says it is understandable that Liverpool may not to be in the right mindset after winning the Premier League, and that not winning any records will mean nothing to the players.
Giles was on Off The Ball after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal. He says that as Liverpool now have nothing to play for, it can be hard to mentally prepare for a match.
“In my experience of records, they don’t mean anything to the players. They really don’t," said Giles.
“When you’re in the race for the title and you win it, then you can’t contrive the emotion and the effort and what you have to give in the next matches.
“I feel Klopp would be relatively easy on them because he knows - they’re not playing that way on purpose.
“You can’t kid yourself and say, we’ve won it, but we’ll pretend we haven’t won it. I’m not a bit surprised at the situation they’re in now.
“Nobody can tell those lads that they’ve got to win today. They don’t consciously switch off. They won’t be bothered about the records.”
Giles says that he cannot see Liverpool’s football improving for the remainder of the season because the team have nothing to play for.
“I don’t think they’ll turn themselves back on again because it won’t make any difference. The record they could’ve had is gone. What Klopp will be thinking about is next season.
“I’d forget all about form with Liverpool until this season is over and expect them to start next season on the trail again.”
Giles also praised Arsenal’s performance over Liverpool. Their recent win puts them ninth in the Premier League, with 53 points.
However, Giles feels that Arsenal have distance to travel before they are competing with the best teams in English football.
“Arteta has a long way to go. An awful long way to go to get Arsenal into Liverpool’s position. There is a lot to be done at Arsenal.
“What he wants now is to get into the top four to have some progress with the club. I think, going well, it will take him another two years to compete with the likes of Manchester United, and Liverpool.”
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