Former Tottenham manager Glen Hoddle has warned Liverpool cannot let Manchester City gain too much ground on them in the Premier League title race this season.
The Reds have had a disappointing start to the campaign, with just two points from a possible nine in their first three matches. Draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace, followed by a defeat to Manchester United last time out as spelled the worst start to a season under current manager Jurgen Klopp.
Hoddle, who managed Spurs between 2001 and 2003, says Liverpool have what it takes to turn things around, but warned it could be a 'long, hard season' if City gain a big advantage in the table early on.
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He told BT Sport: " It’s not as good as they would have liked it to be but they have a lot of injuries at the moment, key players out. It’s very difficult to set a standard and keep it in back to back seasons and that could be a problem.
"They won two domestic cups, all is not well there but they have enough quality on and off the pitch, with Klopp and his experience to turn it round and get them going again. They can’t, on a domestic level, let Manchester City get four or five points ahead of them as it’s a long hard season. But as for their group, I am really excited as a neutral."
Liverpool's Champions League campaign will get underway in roughly 12 days time, as they're set to face Ajax, Napoli and Rangers in this year's group stage. However, full focus remains on the league with a game against Bournemouth at Anfield this weekend.
Klopp's side will then welcome Newcastle United at Anfield, before they prepare to face Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park. The next three fixtures are crucial for Liverpool as they look to gain some momentum after their poor start to the season.
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