Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes rest on the outcome of their final two matches of 2016-17, but Joel Matip insists the squad are confidently relishing the battle.

The Reds know beating West Ham United at the London Stadium this weekend and following that up with an Anfield victory over Middlesbrough would be enough to secure a top-four finish.

Indeed, should results elsewhere involving Arsenal and Manchester United go their way this weekend, then three points in the capital could confirm a return to Europe’s premier competition as early as Sunday evening.

Nevertheless, Matip has explained why he and his teammates are looking forward to the challenge.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: “Of course we’re optimistic. 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.”

Liverpool were left frustrated by last weekend’s goalless draw at home to Southampton as they looked to close in on confirming a place in the top four.

Having had time to reflect, however, Matip has taken a philosophical view of the result.

“The positive thing as a defender is that we didn’t concede a goal,” he explained. “Yes, this is just one half, and then the other is to create more chances against a deep-standing team.

“But this is always hard if a team stands with nine or 10 players in front of the goal. It is even hard if there are only six, but 10 it was really tough and hard. Maybe with a little bit of luck next time, and with a little bit more practice, next time we will have more solutions for this.

“Maybe they [West Ham] will play similarly, but it’s not that over the 90 minutes Southampton were sure they would not concede a goal. We will see and we will do our best; it doesn’t matter how the other team plays.”