Liverpool defender Joel Matip has fired a warning shot at Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea by claiming the Reds can ‘beat everyone’ if they can maintain high performance levels throughout the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are unbeaten after 10 matches in all competitions, with Chelsea, City and Brentford the only sides to hold them to draws so far.
Liverpool were crippled by injuries last season, halting their hopes of retaining the title they won the previous campaign, however early season form indicates they’re capable of going the distance again.
Reds defender Matip insists Klopp’s side possess the ability to challenge this season and is steadfast in his belief that they don’t fear anyone.
"I think we are in good shape and we don’t have to be afraid of any team, but we have to play our football 100 per cent," said the 30-year-old centre-back.
"It will be an intense and interesting season and we have a really good team. If we play at our 100 per cent level, we can beat everyone."
Another boost for the club has been the return of fans to Anfield. The Reds’ home has traditionally been a fortress, but without supporters in attendance, they dropped many points at home last season as they scrambled to a third-place finish.
Matip is convinced that Liverpool can take full advantage of fans being back inside the stadium, claiming the support of the Anfield crowd gives them ‘extra strength’.
"Playing in empty stadiums is something different," the Reds defender admitted during an interview for the October issue of the Liverpool FC magazine.
"Of course it is still football, but it feels different. It feels more like football when the supporters are there. It gives us extra strength.
"It is great being back in our stadium playing home Premier League games and trying to make the best out of having our fans back."
