Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that his team will be strong enough to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

The Reds finished two points behind eventual champions Manchester City in the 2013-14 campaign, but have struggled to match their form this season.

The departure of Luis Suarez, long-term injuries to Daniel Sturridge, and the arrival of eight new signings has put Liverpool's surge back a few steps.

However, the Merseyside outfit are currently unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and are just one win away from reaching the Capital One Cup final.

"This season was always going to be difficult for us," Rodgers told reporters. "We weren't going to challenge for the league this year. That was the reality. Next season we will be able to challenge for the league again."

On Saturday, Liverpool will take on Bolton Wanderers at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup.