Frank Lampard has named Liverpool among his favourites for the Premier League title ahead of the new season.
The ex-Chelsea boss has not done much to endear himself with Reds supporters, given his previous bust ups with Jurgen Klopp , but believes Liverpool shouldn’t be written off.
Despite Lampard’s former clubs, Chelsea and Manchester City, both securing record deals for Romelu Lukaku and Jack Grealish respectively, he expects Liverpool to mount a title challenge.
Speaking after the Community Shield on Saturday, Lampard discussed the two clubs he felt could most compete with his former sides.
“I think you can’t discount Manchester United. They were not far-off last year and have gone again and I think brought in really impressive signings.
“I think Liverpool will be the same”, he admitted.
“They missed huge players through injury for a big part of last season and the year before they were one of the best teams we’ve seen in the Premier League, so you definitely can’t discount those.”
Lampard baulked at Klopp’s suggestions in December that his own Chelsea side were favourites to win the title last season, but he is right to suggest that the Reds should be stronger this term.
Liverpool were overwhelmed by injuries during 2020/21, facing parts of the season without a recognised centre-half before emergency reinforcements were called in.
There were also lengthy absences from Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and Diogo Jota, as Jurgen Klopp’s side battled the odds to secure Champions’ League qualification.
However, Lampard experienced first-hand just how strong Liverpool can be if they do get back to their best this season.
His Chelsea side were the visitors as Liverpool finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy at Anfield in July 2020, resulting in a 5-3 win for Klopp’s team.
After arguments on the touchline, Lampard accused the Liverpool bench of being “too arrogant” in his post-match interview, upsetting the German coach.
The former England midfielder apologised for his comments last September and is seemingly expecting big things from the Reds, with the new Premier League campaign less than a week away.
Lampard was speaking at Wembley, celebrating 5 million hours of McDonald's Fun Football.
