James Milner believes that Liverpool’s League Cup run could play a part in the Reds bid for the Premier League title this season, the Liverpool Echo reports.
The Reds vice-captain has himself experienced the boost that a good cup run can give a side in the League during his time with Manchester City.
Liverpool are to face Chelsea in the third round of the League Cup just days before they take on the Blues in the League.
With the League Cup being perceived as the lowest of Liverpool’s priorities this season, the added fixture has been seen as an unwanted distraction to the league match later that week.
Milner spoke to FourFourTwo in the latest edition of their magazine.
At Manchester City, winning the FA Cup was massive for us, to start it off and get that belief.
Then we won a couple of Premier League titles and the League Cup after that.
We’ve had excellent chances here; two European finals and the League Cup final. If you can get over the line in the League Cup final that gives you the belief to go on and win more, and that’s what we did at Manchester City with the FA Cup.
You can see how close we are – you don’t get to two European finals without being a very good team, and you’ve seen some of our performances and the sides we’ve beaten.
We’re so close. It’s just about getting over the line in one (final), to get that winning belief.
Liverpool have already come close to success in three finals under Jurgen Klopp, losing a League Cup final to Manchester City in 2016, the Europa League final to Sevilla and then last season’s Champions League final to Real Madrid.
Liverpool have started the season in fine form, securing four wins from their opening four league fixtures.
However, despite sitting top of the table, Milner still believes there is work to be done to be considered genuine rivals to Manchester City for the title.
The manager has been here another season, so we have to use the experience and the close calls we’ve had over the past few years to get over the line and finally win a trophy.
To win the Premier League title, you’ve got to get yourself in a position halfway through the season where you’re talked about as being a genuine contender, and then take it from there.
