Liverpool defender Joel Matip: We're highly motivated by top four chase

Joel Matip says he and his Liverpool teammates are enjoying the pressure of battling for Champions League qualification.

Liverpool must win their final two matches of the season to secure a top-four finish, starting with a trip to West Ham United on Sunday.

With Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all competing for a place in Europe's premier competition next term, Matip says Liverpool are treating their remaining two matches with West Ham and Middlesbrough like "finals."

"Of course we're optimistic," he told the club's official website. "We have two games and have it in our own hands to stay where we are now -- and we will give our best to achieve this.

"Everybody is motivated because everybody knows what we can achieve. We're all highly motivated.

"Of course, [these games] are kind of like small finals. Everything counts. You are fighting to get a special position in the table and that's why we're here. I enjoy the battle."

Meanwhile, Matip's centre-back partner, Dejan Lovren, believes Liverpool's league position would be even better had injuries not threatened to derail their season.

Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge -- all key players in Jurgen Klopp's side -- have all had lengthy spells out on the sidelines at some point throughout the campaign.

"If we hadn't had so many injuries this season, we would have even more points," Lovren said.

"Sometimes you need to be lucky especially in the Premier League, we have missed so many players.

"It started after the Sunderland game [in January], we won against Man City, then 2-2 against Sunderland, from that moment, Mane went to African Cup, Coutinho ankle, Henderson, me, it's quite difficult when you have a strong team. Have you seen Chelsea? I can't remember who they have lost!"

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