Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has given his opinion on Liverpool’s chances of success this season.
The Reds have gone through a disappointing campaign by their high standards and that has led to criticism being aimed at Jurgen Klopp and his players. Liverpool are out of the domestic cup competitions, having won them both last season, and are in ninth place in the Premier League.
They still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, though. And they can close the gap on fourth-placed Newcastle United to six points - with a game in hand - if they win Saturday night's encounter between the teams at St James' Park.
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And Aguero has weighed in on the Reds’ chances of finishing in the top four. “The great teams never give up,” the former Argentina international told Stake.com. “And also with such outstanding establishments. It is true that this season Liverpool is not at the level of the previous ones.
“I think the issue of so many injuries hurt their performance. The faster you can get them back, the better chance you have of putting up a fight.
“Chelsea is in a replacement process. It will depend on how long they take to understand the new additions - which were many - so that they begin to get their best game.
“They have a great coach and although some figures left, with the new ones they make up a great squad. Perhaps in this sense, Chelsea is the one with the most options to enter the top positions."
Liverpool's remaining chance of silverware this season lies in the Champions League. Standing in their way of a place in the quarter-finals are Real Madrid, who won last season's final between the teams.
The first leg takes place at Anfield on Tuesday and Aguero believes the Reds' home ground could play a huge factor in deciding the round-of-16 tie.
“I always say that there are no easy games in the Champions League,” Aguero said. “It is true that it is a key that is not seen that often in these instances.
“They are teams that in recent years have been finalists and won the competition. And not always the form of the teams makes them more or less dangerous.
“It is true that Liverpool is not at its best. But it is Liverpool and it is Anfield.
“And we already know what Madrid is in these instances. It will be a nice game to watch.”
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