Speaking ahead of his side’s English Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes the Reds are genuine title contenders.
Mourino was quick to praise the efforts of Liverpool’s leading goalscorer, Luis Suarez, who has scored 19 goals in 13 league appearances.
The Chelsea boss, though, does not feel he alone will win the league title for the Reds, but rather it will take the efforts of the whole team.
And guided by Brendan Rodgers and the fact that they will be playing less matches than Chelsea, Mourinho feels the Merseyside club can go all the way, but his side will not go down without a fight.
“He [Suarez] didn't start the season, with suspension, and after that the numbers are fantastic,” said Mourinho.
“When he came back, it was a big plus. But let's be fair: Liverpool did very well without him when he was suspended.
“I think they can [win the Premier League], because they are good, because Brendan [Rodgers] is good, because they have time to prepare the team tactically, because they are not involved in the heat of the knock-out situation in the Champions League or even Europa League.
“These (Chelsea) players are going to play 60 matches. Liverpool will play 40 matches. It's a big difference.
“Quality, plus ambition, plus this advantage, so yes (they are contenders).”
Only one place and one point separates the two teams on the league table as Chelsea sit in third place on 37th points while Liverpool occupy fourth spot.
