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Jurgen Klopp admits it's difficult for Liverpool to keep pace with Chelsea – but warned of trouble ahead for the Premier League leaders.

Klopp's side remain in third place having slipped six points behind the leaders following a 2-2 home draw against struggling West Ham United.

While Chelsea have won their last nine top-flight games, the Reds have taken only five points from their last four games.

But Klopp believes there is plenty of scope for the gap at the top to be closed as injuries and fatigue strike during the imminent hectic festive schedule.

“It's difficult to stay in the race with Chelsea when they win everything and we didn't,” said the Reds boss. “But I don't think about it. When we were first or second, I wasn't thinking about it.

“This is the moment to collect points as much as possible.

“The season is very long, and as everybody knows the most intense time is coming now.

“Chelsea could play with nearly the same team until now. Arsenal nearly the same. United have had a few problems. Tottenham lost Kane for while. That's how it is.”

Klopp added: “Our expectation is that we are in the top region of the table and that's where we want to be in the decisive part of the season, and then we can talk about what's possible.

“It's all good apart from the result in the last two games, but in both games for a big part of the game we were the much better team.

“The way to get to being a real top-flight team, there's never an easy way. There will always be struggles.

“We are still in a very good way but we are not first in the table, we're not even second. We are third.

“Come on. A lot of teams should feel worse. Everything is good at the moment.”

As Liverpool chased a second-half winner, Klopp elected not to turn to the bench where his main attacking options were young duo Ovie Ejaria and Ben Woodburn.

But the Reds boss believes the teenagers – along with fellow substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold – will all have a part to play in the coming weeks.

“I saw a few moments today of how we're able to play, and it's fantastic, even with a few injured,” said Klopp.

“Our offensive options were very young and we have no doubt of their quality, but against West Ham with small, young guys, maybe it's not the best moment (for them). It would be a waste of energy.

“But we will need them in the next few games.”