Liverpool

Paul Ince: 'Liverpool cannot be considered a great team yet'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 28 March 2020

Former Liverpool midfielder Paul Ince insists that Jurgen Klopp's side cannot be considered a "great team" until they achieve a sustained period of success and silverware.

Former Liverpool midfielder Paul Ince has claimed that Jurgen Klopp's side cannot be considered a "great" team until they experience a sustained run of Premier League success.

The Reds have shattered a host of records so far this season en route to building a 25-point lead over their closest challengers, dropping only five points from their first 29 games.

Should the 2019-20 season be completed after the coronavirus pandemic then Liverpool look almost certain to claim their first top-flight title in 30 years, following on from their Champions League success last year, but Ince believes that they need to keep on picking up silverware to join the pantheon of legendary sides.

"It is tough to say that [they are among the best] but I think what Liverpool have done has been a great achievement. I think the quality of the Premier League hasn't been what it has been [previously]," the former England international told Goal.com.

"Are they a great team? I wouldn't say they are; you have to win it season after season. I think they have got the talent and the manager to become a great team. Great teams keep winning. If they win it this year and next year, then we can start calling it a great team.

"Like that Man City team, that's a great team. Liverpool have been good in the last two years but they need to keep winning things before we say it is a great team. You go back to other great teams.

"I say Arsenal Invincibles, those Man United teams and Liverpool teams that kept winning things constantly. European Cups in Liverpool's case. For United, it was doubles, trebles and league titles. Chelsea's team with [Didier] Drogba, [John] Terry and [Frank] Lampard was a great team. Liverpool needs to continue to become a great team."

Liverpool need only six more points to end their long wait for a 19th English title, although the suspension of football until at least the end of April has cast doubt over whether the 2019-20 campaign will be able to finish.