LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp is expecting a tough game to end the Premier League season on Sunday at Saints, saying on Friday that they have to be 'ready' and that Saints have ‘such a talented squad’.

Saints’ relegation was confirmed a fortnight ago when they were beaten 2-0 by Fulham and regardless of Sunday’s result, they will finish bottom of the table. 

Additionally, they find themselves on a 12-game winless run. But despite all of that, Liverpool manager Klopp was full of praise for the beleaguered Saints.

READ MORE: Saints predicted team for final day of Premier League season against Liverpool

"Southampton have such a talented squad, if you let them play, they will play,” the German said on Friday according to This Is Anfield.

"They have struggles finishing situations off, but between the boxes, it is proper football so we have to make sure we are ready for that."

While Saints fans may push back on the talent levels in this squad, Klopp’s latter point about their play in between the boxes is highlighted by their many tight defeats this season.

Saints have lost a total of 13 games in the league by just one solitary goal as frequent defensive lapses and the inability to take their chances has cost them dearly.

It was a major issue under both Ralph Hasenhuttl and Nathan Jones and has remained a problem with Ruben Selles at the helm, Saints losing four games by one goal under the Spaniard and another five times by two goals.

Sunday’s final match of the Premier League campaign will also mark Selles’s final game in charge with the club confirming earlier this week that his contract will not be renewed this summer.