PL boss says Liverpool can mount title challenge next term

Manchester City’s record-breaking form is the only thing which can prevent Liverpool from mounting a genuine title challenge next season, says Brighton boss Chris Hughton.

Champions City have enjoyed a remarkable campaign under Pep Guardiola, smashing Premier League records for points earned, goals scored and games won.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds beat their north-west neighbours en route to setting up a Champions League final with Real Madrid but have failed to keep pace domestically, falling a staggering 25 points adrift.

Hughton’s Seagulls finish the season at Anfield on Sunday having lost their penultimate fixture at the Etihad Stadium in midweek.

And the Albion manager expects Liverpool to become serious contenders for a first title since 1990 next year, unless City continue to “blow away” rivals with their formidable performances.

“I don’t think they’re that far behind,” Hughton said of Liverpool.

“I think the only difference is that we’ve embarked on a season where Man City have been that good.

“If Man City are that good next season then I don’t see too much difference because I don’t see too much wrong with what Liverpool have done.

“I just think you’ve had one side that have blown everybody away so I don’t think Liverpool need to do that much. They’ve got great options.

“I think come next season they’ll be very much title contenders and I think probably all of those (top six) clubs are hoping Man City don’t have the type of season next season that they had this season.”

City’s hat-trick of record-breaking achievements was sealed against Brighton on Wednesday with their 3-1 victory moving them on to 97 points, 105 goals, and 31 wins.

Liverpool, whose European final with Real takes place on May 26 in Kiev, need at least point against Albion to guarantee a top-four finish and Champions League qualification ahead of Chelsea, leading coach Klopp to describe Sunday’s fixture as his team’s “most important” of the season.

Hughton, whose side have already ensured top-flight survival, feels the opposition’s additional motivation increases the size of the task facing his players.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton

“They have to get a point from the game so of course it makes it their most important one,” he added.

“With Champions League qualification at this moment, they have two ways to do it. And if

they win on Sunday then that’s guaranteed; if they don’t, it’s not guaranteed that they are going to win the Champions League.

“I can understand him saying that and that of course makes it even more difficult for us.”