Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has tipped Jurgen Klopp‘s Reds to challenge for the Premier League title, saying “they are definitely good enough.”
The Reds have been installed as the bookies’ second-favourites to seal the title after the first six games of 2016/17 saw them take 13 points, including wins over Arsenal and Chelsea.
Their emphatic 5-1 victory at home to Hull City on Saturday afternoon was their fourth in a row in all competitions, and Klopp’s side are now standing five games unbeaten.
Klopp has moved to dampen expectations, telling Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football that “there is a long way to go.”
But speaking at a Soccerex convention this week, Houllier underlined his belief in his former side.
“The best is yet to come. They are definitely good enough,” the Frenchman said.
“They are entertaining and also extremely efficient. You just have to see the number of goals they score.
“They have a new philosophy and I like the coach.”
Houllier’s admiration for Klopp should come as a flattering standpoint for the current Liverpool manager, giving his predecessor’s success while in the dugout at Anfield.
The 69-year-old led the Reds to one UEFA Cup, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one UEFA Super Cup and one Community Shield triumph during his positive reign on Merseyside.
This included a remarkable treble-winning season in 2000/01, still one of the club’s finest achievements since the turn of the century.
Klopp faces a considerable challenge if his Liverpool side are to compete for the Premier League title in 2016/17, with a number of teams holding a viable claim, including Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
But having tallied the best start to a season since under Rafa Benitez in 2008/09’s title-challenging campaign, the Reds look to be on course for a successful season.
Houllier is right, the best is yet to come, and Klopp will be hoping that continues away to Swansea City on Saturday lunchtime.
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