Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool must prepare for a tougher title defence next season – and has warned that Manchester City will be the Reds’ biggest threat.
After guiding the club to a record-equalling 20th league title, Arne Slot will aim to build on that success in 2025/26. And Gerrard, speaking to TNT Sports, is already looking ahead to what could be another fierce battle at the top.
“Liverpool will be well aware that City are going to come back,” said the former Reds captain. “Arsenal are looking stronger again, the likes of Chelsea are building nicely, Newcastle, Villa are coming in behind.”
Liverpool secured the Premier League crown with a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham on April 27, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal and 13 ahead of City. Mohamed Salah’s 29 goals helped fire the Reds to the title, while they also ended the season with the league’s best attack and second-best defence.
Liverpool are planning a busy summer in the transfer market. Having already completed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, Gerrard expects the reigning champions to stay active.
“Liverpool are going to be the ones that are hunted now,” he added. “But the evidence suggests they’ll be strong in the transfer market, so Liverpool are the team to catch for sure.”
City ended the campaign in third after a late rally but saw their title defence fade midway through the season. With Rodri missing a big chunk of the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s side struggled for consistency. The Spain midfielder, recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner, is expected to be fully fit for the new season.
And with Guardiola signing a new contract, Gerrard insists the threat from City is far from over.
“You’ve got to be wary of City and Guardiola – the best manager in the world,” he said. “They’ve done it four years on the spin. They lost Rodri, which was a big blow.
“With a fully fit squad – and they’ll recruit as well – the team that finishes above City will win it again. Hopefully, that’s Liverpool.”
