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Matip sure of Reds' top-four credentials

Cape Town - Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip is confident the team will end the Premier League season strongly to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

After 25 games in the current campaign, Jurgen Klopp's side are in fifth place, 11 points behind league leaders Chelsea, but only three behind Manchester City in second place.

With Manchester United only a point behind the Reds in sixth, the competition for places in the Champions League is tough, but Matip is certain they will be able to reach their target.

"I think we have the quality to go there and be on a good way," the Cameroon defender is quoted as saying on the club's official website. "If we show our quality, I am positive we will do this."

The 25-year-old joined the Merseyside giants at the start of the season on a free transfer from Schalke.

By his own admission, Matip struggled to adapt to his new surroundings at first, but by December he had established himself as one of the first names on Klopp's team sheet.

"It was my first real change and this was all new," he continued. "At the beginning it was not always easy but all the people gave me a really warm welcome and it was nice to be here.

"Everybody helped me and that is why I really feel at home. I have got a good feeling being here."

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