Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Jurgen Klopp explains why Tottenham are title race dark horses as Paul Merson names two signings that take them to next level

Antonio Conte, Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool v Chelsea - International Champions Cup - Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California, United States of America

Jurgen Klopp is convinced that Tottenham will have a major say in the upcoming Premier League title race, naming them as his side his Liverpool team must be wary of.

The Reds, alongside Manchester City have fought out the three of the last four title races. And the pair were comfortably England’s two outstanding sides last season, the runners-up finishing a distant 18 points clear of third-place Chelsea. As such, the rivals go into the 2022/23 campaign fully expected to go head to head again.

However, the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham – as well as Liverpool’s Bangkok conquerors Manchester United – will all be looking to close that gap.

Spurs, in particular, have bought extremely well so far this summer. Antonio Conte is a serial title winner and knows what it takes to engineer a title push. And having bought in five high-quality additions, Klopp reckons they will be in contention in the upcoming season.

Assessing their chances, he told ESPN FC: “You have to look at Tottenham, what they are doing now in the moment. They were doing well last year, and they didn’t get worse this year.”

Spurs finished a distant 22 points behind Liverpool last season. And while Conte himself won’t set his side a title target, his main objective will be to close that gap.

Tottenham have made five signings so far this summer, with Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Clement Lenglet all boosting their squad depth.

Paul Merson names two stars who give Spurs extra quality

Paul Merson also reckons Tottenham Hotspur will be in the title race this season after hailing their quality.

And while the former Arsenal man is unsure about the signing of Richarlison, he has named two other deals that give them an edge.

“Tottenham have had a very good transfer window so far. I’m not too sure about Richarlison, and I’d play [Dejan] Kulusevski ahead of him,” he told Sportskeeda.

“They’re in the Champions League and have more games to play this season, so in that sense, Richarlison ticks a box.”

Merson, though is a fan of both Bissouma and Perisic and reckons they are quality additions.

“Yves Bissouma is an unbelievable signing for them. I’ve seen him boss the midfield for Brighton, and they aren’t nearly as consistent as Spurs. Djed Spence is a good signing, but the Championship is a completely different world to the Premier League.

“I’m a massive fan of Ivan Perisic. He’s a top-drawer player, and he works his socks off. Antonio Conte knows him well, and the fans will love him because he’s a hard-working player.”

In conclusion, Merson said: “I think Tottenham have done a great job so far, and I’m afraid they’re in for a good season.”

Jurgen Klopp too optimistic on Tottenham – but third is achievable

It may be an optimistic viewpoint from Jurgen Klopp to suggest Tottenham will be in title contention. The question will be, do they have the squad quality to balance a run in the Champions League and sustain a title push?

Perhaps the latter will be beyond them, though they have invested enough in their squad to give themselves a chance.

Indeed, while City and Liverpool have set an impossibly high bar, Spurs were the only side last season to remain unbeaten in four games against the pair.

If they can add the consistency to their game, then they can certainly look to catch Chelsea and finish in third. That in itself would be an excellent achievement for Conte and his troops.

How will Richarlison fit in at Tottenham?

How will Richarlison fit in at Tottenham?

Will Richarlison be a success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

One thing you can say though is that, for once, they do have quality options in every position. They will need to utilise their squad in full and Richarlison, in particular, will be looking to prove Merson wrong.

One observer, meanwhile, claims Harry Kane will be flattered by exit rumours and has named his ideal next club.