Manchester United manager David Moyes is still hopeful of a top four finish, despite his side suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Liverpool on Sunday at the Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are 12 points behind Manchester City in fourth, who have three games in hand, and securing a Champions League qualification berth next season from here on seems almost impossible.
While striker Wayne Rooney has described the defeat as ‘a nightmare’, adding that it was one of the worst days he has experienced in football, Moyes is focusing on the response, as United face a crucial Champions League tie against Olympiakos on Wednesday.
“It will be very difficult [to finish in the top four], but it’s not over yet, so we have to keep working as hard as we can,” Moyes said, as quoted in The Times.
“We have given ourselves a hard task to get back in it. I think everyone wants to win [against Olympiacos], no matter what game you play, and give the supporters something to shout about. I thought the supporters were brilliant. Results will dictate [whether he retains their backing], but I can only tell you what I’ve seen today.
“The players are well aware of what it means on Wednesday and what we have got to do. We’ve got something to go for, so hopefully we can do that.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard feels that the Reds are fully capable of winning the Premier League title this season.
“We believe that we can win the league. I’ve come here many times and been played off the park,” Gerrard said after the match, as quoted by The Guardian.
“They are a fantastic team and this is one of the most difficult places to come to, so to come and dominate from start to finish and we are still going away disappointed that we didn’t score more goals.”
Liverpool last won the Premier League 24 years ago, but with just four points behind Chelsea and with a game in hand, there is a feel-good factor about a potential title challenge this season.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
