Sir Alex: Klopp's Reds Real Deal

Sir Alex Ferguson says Liverpool are serious Premier League contenders now Jurgen Klopp has restored the club's identity.

Ferguson famously succeeded with his aim of knocking Liverpool "off their perch" as he took Manchester United beyond the Reds' record of 18 English league titles.

The last of those was more than 26 years ago, and Anfield has seen eight permanent managers come and go in the meantime.

Klopp is the ninth and, according to Ferguson, has a chance of ending the long wait for a 19th title - even if he makes Pep Guardiola's Manchester City the side to beat.

"He has done a really good job and revived Liverpool's enthusiasm," Ferguson said in an interview with German magazine Kicker.

"It can happen that big clubs lose it. For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.

"You can now well and truly sense that you have to count them in this year. You can see Klopp's dedication on the sideline - I'm convinced his work in training is similar. He's a strong personality. That's absolutely vital at a big club."

Just one point separates the top five, with Ferguson's old club six points off the pace under Jose Mourinho.

"I think there are five potential candidates," he said. "Manchester City as favourites, Tottenham and Liverpool, but also United are still there if we get some consistency soon. Even when you are trailing by six, eight points, it's still possible to catch one or two teams.

"The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho makes for an exciting competition. And you shouldn't forget Arsenal. The team is more sturdy. They've got better and more aggressive. I'm impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi.

"Guardiola's skills are beyond debate, Antonio Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola - he's won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries.

For my money Mauricio Pochettino has fantastic potential. Spurs have a good mix of youth and experience. Top players like [Harry] Kane or [Eric] Dier were injured but they're still in a good position."

Credit: Skysports.com