Ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Keane is backing his former club to renew their rivalry with Manchester City for the Premier League title.

The Reds dropped their standards massively as they finished fifth this season, but Keane is backing Jurgen Klopp’s side to join City and Arsenal in a three-horse race for top spot when the new campaign kicks off:

“It’s very difficult to say where Man City go from here, because if you win the treble, what players do you need? It depends on which players go out. If you get a couple of players that leave, I’m sure they’ll be looking to sign some players. Next year, I don’t think it’s going to be a two-horse race with Arsenal. I think Liverpool will be back in the fold, I really believe that.”

In terms of other teams, such as Chelsea and Tottenham, Keane says they won’t be in a position to compete straight away under new managers:

“With Mauricio Pochettino coming in, I think Chelsea could be good, but they might need a year or two. I’m obviously hoping Tottenham will be too, if they get a few new signings, but that depends on if Harry Kane stays.”

A lot depends on Liverpool’s recruitment this summer

The alarming dropoff in performances this season has been largely attributed to failures to recruit in key areas of the pitch, specifically in midfield.

It seems as though the Reds are already working hard to correct those mistakes, with the arrival of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister imminent.

Of course, bringing in new signings is one thing, and getting them to gel is quite another, as Chelsea have found to their cost.

Klopp’s Mark 2 Liverpool

The departures of Roberto Firmino and James Milner mean Klopp is having to create a new team without its main focal point and one of its key leaders.

There are no guarantees that it will work but, if Klopp does manage to get his new recruits playing the way he wants, they could become title contenders once again.