Gary Neville: Liverpool not title contenders

Gary Neville

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville says Liverpool are definite top four challengers but did rule out a possible assault on the Premier League title.

Neville, who has been a pundit on Sky since his retirement from the game, said the key to Liverpool’s early-season form was down to the strike pairing of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

“They’re certainly top four contenders but I don’t think they’ll win the title. I don’t think they’ve progressed that much this season but they’ve got a fantastic chance of getting into that top four,” said Neville.

“If you think about where they were last year when they struggled to compete for a Champions League place, that would be progression for Liverpool this season.

“I think Brendan Rodgers, as much as they’re close to the top of the league at the moment, you’ll never hear him talk with a defeatist attitude in terms of the championship.

“But realistically, he’ll be pragmatic and feel his goal is the Champions League this year.”

Neville also spoke about the strength of the side and how important the lack of European football is this year.

“The front two are a threat in every single game. I think they’ve benefitted from good performances by Jordan Henderson in midfield – Steven Gerrard – they’ve got players who are rested.

“They’re not in a European competition this year which is giving them the opportunity week-to-week to be able to plan for matches, so you could argue that’s a factor [for their early good form], but generally it’s a gentle progression from last season, moving forwards with a manager in his second season.”