"Liverpool are not title contenders this season" - Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool will not win the Premier League title this season, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.

A top four finish had been Rodgers objective at the start of the campaign, but a superb run saw the Reds top the table on Christmas Day.

Mixed results over the festive period dented their hopes somewhat and Sunday’s 1-1 draw at West Brom left them eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

They sit one point ahead of Merseyside rivals Everton with Tottenham a further point back and Rodgers is focusing his energies on securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

“I think for us, as a team, it’s too early for that,” Rodger replied when asked about their title hopes.

“I was at the Manchester City-Chelsea game the other night and I look at the squads they have, which they have built up over the last few years, and it’s very difficult for us even though we have competed right the way through the season.

“So, I wouldn’t say for us this year, no. We wouldn’t be challengers for it.”

Liverpool still have to play Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in the league and Rodgers feels his side can have a big say in the destination of the title.

“Will we play a part in it (the title race)? Yes, we will, because we are professional and we want to fight to finish as high as we possibly can,” he told Sky Sports.

“We look it and there are six points between us and (second-placed) Chelsea, so there is still a lot to play for and we will be fighting right until the very end.

“But, if I’m asked to give an honest answer, I’d probably say that this year is too soon for us.”