Steven Gerrard has said that he believes Liverpool will be involved in the Premier League title race again next season.
Brendan Rodgers's side still had a chance to lift the trophy heading into the final round of matches earlier today, but Manchester City's 2-0 win over West Ham United ensured that the Sky Blues finished at the top of the table.
Following his side's 2-1 win over Newcastle United, the Reds' captain told BBC Radio 5 live: "It took me until I'm 33 to really experience a proper, genuine title race.
"This squad is very young, and the experience those lads are going to gain from this rollercoaster is going to be very important. I believe the title is not too far away if we continue to produce performances like we have done this season.
"If we add to this team and the squad in the right areas we are capable of challenging. Things have changed here, the supporters know that and the players know that.
"We are genuine title contenders before a ball is kicked next year, and we need to go and prove that we're the top side in the league over 38 games, and not second."
Liverpool's second-placed finish ensures that they qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2009.
Sian Cowper
