John Barnes has insisted Liverpool are not completely out of the Premier League title race just yet.
Jurgen Klopp’s men looked destined for a title challenge this season and ended 2016 second in the table, six points behind leaders Chelsea.
So far 2017 has not been kind to them, though, as the Reds have managed just one win in ten games in all competitions.
They are without a win in their last five Premier League games and Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to relegation threatened Hull City saw them drop to fifth in the table.
They are now 13 points behind Antonio Conte’s team, with many feeling that a title challenge is definitely off the cards.
However, Barnes insists otherwise and does not believe that Chelsea are out of sight just yet.
“I don’t think Chelsea are out of sight but Liverpool need to improve – the title race starts in March,” he told the London Evening Standard.
“Liverpool can still finish in the top four if everyone gets behind Jurgen Klopp, who is a very good coach.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get anyone in January. Signings would have helped but it’s not all doom and gloom.
“We haven’t got a huge squad so with a 14-15 man squad they will be tired. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all have bigger squads. City can take out [Sergio] Aguero and bring in [Gabriel] Jesus.”