Jamie Carragher has warned the current Liverpool squad against becoming complacent in their bid for the Premier League crown, suggesting that they need to get this month over with before dreaming of the title.
The Reds currently sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after Manchester City lost to Newcastle United on Tuesday night, but did fail to extend their gap even further by only managing a draw against Leicester City.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Carragher said: “If any Liverpool supporter thinks they are just going to win the next 14 games, it’s just not going to be like that.
“They will not play well every game because there will be nerves and tension the closer you get.
“I don’t think it’s the time to be thinking about the title. Get the next month out of the way and then March and April is the time when, if you do make mistakes it’s difficult to come back.
“Even with City losing at Newcastle they are not out of it. It’s not the end of the world if you drop points now, there is time to make it up, but when February is done and we are getting into March then we are into the run-in.”
OPINION
Liverpool cannot afford to write off Manchester City until Jurgen Klopp has the Premier League trophy held above his head on the pitch at Anfield. Pep Guardiola’s men are formidable, and for all of their blips and mishaps this season, they are so strong that they cannot be properly ruled out until the very last moment. City know what it takes to win this title, whereas this current crop of Liverpool stars are having their first crack at it. The pressure and tension that they will be feeling cannot be underestimated, and while they can publicly reaffirm their nerve and togetherness, they wouldn’t be human if they didn’t have at least a little doubt about whether or not they can hold off City. The draw against Leicester is fine given City’s result, but they cannot afford to make a habit of dropping points, and the champions will not keep on being so generous. Klopp will know that, but it remains to be seen if his players can keep their calm.
