Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool have to be like Rocky Balboa in their bid to catch Manchester City.
Expectations that the Reds will mount a serious Premier League title challenge this season after outspending their rivals in this summer’s transfer window.
Over £175 million worth of signings have moved to Anfield, including Roma goalkeeper Alisson as well as midfielders Naby Keita and Fabinho.
But Klopp has warned that Liverpool’s largesse in the market is by no means a guarantee of closing last season’s 25-point gap on Pep Guardiola’s side.
He said: “I know a lot of people think that because we were that active in the transfer window (Liverpool will challenge), but that doesn’t decide anything.
“We want to be champions of England or winning the league, that’s clear since ages, but how could we say that? What about the other clubs?
“The champions, Manchester City, didn’t lose any players. They brought in Mahrez so that doesn’t make them weaker.
“We saw the game against Chelsea [in the Community Shield]. That was impressive from both sides.
“Chelsea was in a good shape after a difficult pre-season, I would say, and City as well. They have top quality.
“We are still Rocky Balboa and not Ivan Drago. We are the ones who have to do more, to fight more, to do all these things. That must be our attitude.”