THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT, THE FUTURE’S RED

Graeme Souness played under some of the game’s legendary managers – Bob Paisley at Liverpool, Bill Nicholson at Tottenham and Jack Charlton at Middlesbrough – but he’s a big fan of the Premier League’s current top two.

“Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are fantastic,” admits the Scot. “They are both unique with their different styles. They are also a great fit for their clubs, especially Klopp. Liverpool is such an emotional football club and Jurgen is an emotional manager.

“There are four football institutions in the United Kingdom: Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic and Rangers. What makes these four unique is the passion they inspire. Klopp wears his heart on his sleeve and understands the passion at Anfield.”

The former Liverpool midfielder and manager believes there is potential for another era of dominance, following their sixth European Cup win in June.

“For the first time in almost 20 years, you can look at the team and say they can win trophies consistently,” he says. “They only need to bring in one or two players each summer, and Klopp can now afford to keep them on the fringes while they have a look and learn to fit in. He doesn’t have to rush them into the team. They’ve done a remarkable job in recruitment – it really has been sensational – and there are good times ahead for Liverpool.

“They’re in the perfect position, as are Manchester City.”

It means the trailing pack face even bigger challenges going into 2019-20.

“The rest of the Premier League are way behind,” he adds. “Every move the likes of United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs make is in desperation. It will be a big job to catch up.”