Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James says he hopes Jurgen Klopp wins the title this season as further reward for the work he has done at the club.
The Reds sit top of the Premier League table after winning all eight of their opening matches to stretch their record to 17 consecutive wins in the competition.
It has been a remarkable transformation for last seasons Champions League winners Liverpool , who were 10th when Klopp took over just four years ago this week.
Klopp watched his side beat Leicester with a last-gasp penalty on Saturday to maintain their perfect record, and James outlined the contribution he has made to their success.
"One thing I learnt about Jurgen quite early was the way that he manages that team and the confidence he gives players," James said.
"When he first came in he didn’t make any signings, and that just instilled a level of confidence in the players that the manager was trusting people to do what they’re capable of, rather than just replace them straight away; which is so often the case in a new management tenure."
Liverpool are battling it out with another of James' former clubs Man City, and now hold an eight-point lead over last season's champions.
And despite admitting the race was far from over, the ex-England no.1 was clear in where his preference lies.
"I want Liverpool to win it," James said. "Yes there’s a gap at the moment, but to think Liverpool will win every game this season would be foolish, because it’s never been done before.
"You’d imagine Liverpool are going to drop some points, and Man City will keep gaining points.
"I think Liverpool will do it, I would like Liverpool to do it because Jurgen Klopp deserves it and the club deserves it."
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