Sir Alex Ferguson is tipping Jurgen Klopp to restore Liverpool’s glory days and chase the Premier League title
Former Manchester United boss may have fought the Reds throughout his career - but fancies them this season
SIR Alex Ferguson believes Liverpool are on the cusp of getting back on the perch that he worked so hard to knock them off.
The former Manchester United boss, 74, famously led his team past the Reds’ record of 18 English League titles.
And he was spurred on throughout his career by the desire to knock Liverpool ‘off their perch’ – and make United the kings of English football.
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He succeeded in his quest but believes that the arrival of Jurgen Klopp means Liverpool have their best shot at the title since 1990.
Speaking to German magazine Kicker, he said: “[Klopp] has done a really good job and revived Liverpool’s enthusiasm.
“It can happen that big clubs lose it. For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.
“You can now well and truly sense that you have to count them in this year. You can see Klopp’s dedication on the sideline – I’m convinced his work in training is similar. He’s a strong personality. “That’s absolutely vital at a big club.”
Ferguson knows better than anyone what it takes to lift the Premier League – and believes that it is a five-horse race this season.
He continued: “I think there are five potential candidates.
“Manchester City as favourites, Tottenham and Liverpool, but also United are still there if we get some consistency soon. Even when you are trailing by six, eight points, it’s still possible to catch one or two teams.
“The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho makes for an exciting competition. And you shouldn’t forget Arsenal. The team is more sturdy.
“They’ve got better and more aggressive. I’m impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi.
“Guardiola’s skills are beyond debate, Antonio Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola – he’s won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries.
“For my money Mauricio Pochettino has fantastic potential. Spurs have a good mix of youth and experience. Top players like [Harry] Kane or [Eric] Dier were injured but they’re still in a good position.”