Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl treating vital Liverpool fixture as their cup final

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says he's treating their vital fixture against Liverpool as their own Champions League final. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds travel to St Mary’s on Tuesday evening - if they lose then Manchester City will be confirmed as Premier League champions.

Liverpool have already lifted the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and later this month will face Real Madrid in the Champions League final. But Hasenhuttl considers winning the Premier League – which Liverpool have managed only once in 32 years – to be the greatest achievement for an English team.

“We all know Jurgen and how strong he is and you can be sure that he doesn’t give up the chance for winning the league, for sure,” said Hasenhuttl. “This is still the title that is the most countable for everybody because it’s the hardest to get.

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“For me it’s even harder to be over 38 games in the Premier League consistently on the top than to win the Champions League sometimes. Even if he (Klopp) says it’s tough for him to go for all four, I know he will do everything to win this game on Tuesday to give himself a chance on the last day.”

Liverpool sit four points behind City and know a shock defeat on the south coast in their game in hand would extinguish their title aspirations. The Reds complete the season on Sunday at home to Wolves, while Pep Guardiola’s defending champions host Aston Villa.

Having held City to two draws this campaign, Hasenhuttl is eager to have a further say in the title race.

“I think it is fantastic for the Premier League to have such a close title race,” said the Austrian, whose side were beaten 4-0 at Anfield in November. Everybody is electrified from this