Liverpool must ignore Champions League run if they are to mount title challenge, says Gary Neville

If Liverpool want to mount a serious title challenge this season, they must ignore another run at the Champions League, according to Gary Neville.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, who will look to defend their 100 per cent record when they visit Tottenham this weekend, are perhaps the only member of the top six capable of challenging Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in their defence of the title.

They reached the Champions League final for the first time in 11 years last season, but their League form suffered as their clash in Kiev came closer.

Because of that, and Klopp’s relentless style of play, the former Manchester United defender feels they must ignore it.

“The Champions League — if I was Liverpool, I would kick it into touch,” Neville told The Times. “I know that’s very hard to do but if they could go into February, March, April without it, I think they could have a real chance if they had free weeks.

“Why? I think their method is exhausting for the front three [Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino]. The drop in quality below them, if there are injuries or playing Wednesday, Saturday, I think it will take its toll.

“But, as a United fan, I am very concerned about them. This front three have always been fantastic and now the midfield can run, it can pass, it has depth. And the back four looks a unit.

“The football they are playing under Jürgen Klopp, it’s fantastic. As a United fan, that’s a worry because it is still that mentality of ‘anyone but them’.”