Thompson: We are thriving on the pressure

With Liverpool currently level on points with Chelsea - with a trip to Stamford Bridge still to come - Thompson knows only too well that the first side to show weakness will fall out of the lucrative race for the Champions League. The Anfield assistant believes that the Reds are now at their strongest as they approach the final straight in hot pursuit of a flagging Chelsea.

Thompson said: "The lads are all bubbling. When it comes to the end of the season, sides usually have to contend with plenty of injuries and players picking up strains. But ours are thriving on the situation and the matches that are left.

"The boys have done exceptionally well to get us back in with a chance of the Champions League. We have never doubted the quality in the side."