Liverpool hero John Barnes insists fans shouldn't put pressure on manager Jurgen Klopp to break his trophy duck next season.

Klopp has suffered three near misses since taking charge of Liverpool in October 2015 - losing in the League Cup, Europa League and Champions League finals.

Asked whether the pressure is on Klopp to win a trophy next term, Barnes told the Daily Star: “I don't think so because the fans love him and winning a trophy means nothing. Getting close to the Premier League is the most important thing.

“Liverpool can win the Carling Cup - or whatever they're calling it this year - by playing Swindon in one round, Cardiff in another round and another so-called lesser team in another round.

“I'd much rather get closer to the top which means getting within 10 points of winning the Premier League and not win a cup than win a cup but finish 25 points behind.

“The fans talk about winning a trophy but would you rather win the League Cup and finish seventh, or second and third but five to 10 points off the top and not win a trophy?

“For me showing an improvement week in, week out and challenging for the league is much more important for me than winning a trophy."