Rafael Benitez has told his players to take no notice of the hype surrounding a possible title success for Liverpool this season.
While Chelsea remain the favourites to once again land the top prize, many fans and pundits have tipped the Reds as their main challengers after another summer of rebuilding at Anfield which has seen Benitez strengthen his squad in key areas.
Last weekend's victory over Chelsea has also added to the belief in many peoples minds that Liverpool could topple Jose Mourinho's men this season, but the Reds' boss is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and working to ensure his players stay focused for the long campaign ahead.
On the eve of the new season he told Liverpoolfc.tv: "The important thing now is for us to stay calm. We know a lot of people are talking about us as a team who can win the league this season, but we have to just analyse the situation and do all we can to improve and think about the future.
"Of course we want to win games and win trophies but this is going to be a long race and we need to be careful because if we say we're going to do this and we're going to do that then it would be wrong. We need to take things one step at a time.
"It's important we keep the players focused and not start thinking we're better than we are at this moment."
Benitez expects his side to be competing at the top end of the table this year but he's well aware there are a number of other clubs capable of winning the race for championship glory.
He said: "I've been watching what other clubs have been doing this summer and it's clear that many of them have improved.
"We have to talk about Chelsea again, Manchester United continue to buy players and Arsenal have a good young team who will be more experienced this year.
"I also think Tottenham have a good side and a lot of good players so maybe they could be a surprise team."
: Rafa: Let’s stay calm and focused
While Chelsea remain the favourites to once again land the top prize, many fans and pundits have tipped the Reds as their main challengers after another summer of rebuilding at Anfield which has seen Benitez strengthen his squad in key areas.
Last weekend's victory over Chelsea has also added to the belief in many peoples minds that Liverpool could topple Jose Mourinho's men this season, but the Reds' boss is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and working to ensure his players stay focused for the long campaign ahead.
On the eve of the new season he told Liverpoolfc.tv: "The important thing now is for us to stay calm. We know a lot of people are talking about us as a team who can win the league this season, but we have to just analyse the situation and do all we can to improve and think about the future.
"Of course we want to win games and win trophies but this is going to be a long race and we need to be careful because if we say we're going to do this and we're going to do that then it would be wrong. We need to take things one step at a time.
"It's important we keep the players focused and not start thinking we're better than we are at this moment."
Benitez expects his side to be competing at the top end of the table this year but he's well aware there are a number of other clubs capable of winning the race for championship glory.
He said: "I've been watching what other clubs have been doing this summer and it's clear that many of them have improved.
"We have to talk about Chelsea again, Manchester United continue to buy players and Arsenal have a good young team who will be more experienced this year.
"I also think Tottenham have a good side and a lot of good players so maybe they could be a surprise team."
: Rafa: Let’s stay calm and focused
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