The international break has given Jurgen Klopp a three week break away from the testing campaign that has evolved so far. 

They are 5 points of the top four and in the quarter finals of the Champions league against Real Madrid. The run in is well and truly upon us and Liverpool need to register their past capabilities in order to finish the season strongly. 

The question roaming around Anfield will be around ending the season with the highest degree of self belief. Going into a summer transfer window that will see major transitions with players who have played pivotal roles leaving, and fresh faces being brought in to oil the machine again. 

  • What is now deemed as success?

Champions league qualification is now the set bar for the remainder of the campaign - who knows if that will come down to finishing in the top four, or going on to win a seventh European cup. 

There are 9 fixtures left to play in the Premier League and Liverpool's run in is a favourable one. The Reds only have Manchester United to play out of the sides currently above them, with Arsenal being the other side in the top 9. 

It is obvious that the majority of focus will now be on Europe, and the Real Madrid clash will take centre stage with the league games used to freshen legs, rotate and develop a system. 

A quite appreciative draw in Europe has also been boosted with the return of players (Incoming injuries on international duty), and Liverpool now seem to be over the worst of their bad luck. 

A settled midfield with Fabinho steering the anchor, and a number of players now available to rotate and play major roles is a huge plus. The centre back roles have had to be contended with but with Henderson returning in April his leadership could be used at the back once again. 

The return of Diogo Jota has been the biggest green light in the Reds' slight progression, with back to back games seeing the front three link up and score.

Top four is still a reasonable achievement to be grasped upon, especially with Chelsea still having to play West Ham, Manchester City, Arsenal and Leicester.

  • Focus on Europe

Perhaps the tightest one to call out of the four quarter finals. Real Madrid, similar to Liverpool have been off the boil this season but haven't had nowhere near the same injuries to contend with. 

Success for the remainder of this season will certainly depend upon progression in Europe. The chance is there to be taken against Madrid, with revenge for Kiev being on the table. 

Speaking of tables a European Cup semi final is always something optimistic to have on one, and in the main a tie against Porto or Chelsea should be welcomed. 

Liverpool have been in this position before, a season of underperforming in the league has coincided with a rollercoaster in Europe. Back then they had Anfield to spur them on. 

This time it will be different, the Reds will have to find a way to see this through without the twelfth man. The remainder of this season will not just be crucial for the summer spending's but also for next season. This squad of Liverpool players deserves to be playing in Europe's biggest competition.

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