'Premier League title within Reds' grasp in 3 years'

What will be the strategy against Newcastle?
Newcastle like to tackle and hit teams on the break [counter-attack]. That’s why they performed so well last season against Liverpool [earning a 1-1 draw at Anfield in November] and I think they will do exactly the same.

Which Newcastle player will be the most dangerous on Saturday? Who do the Reds have to keep their eye on?
It’s difficult. They play well as a team so I think it’s more about their defence and whether they can contain [Luis] Suarez and [Daniel] Sturridge.

If the Reds get three points at St James’ Park, will the team stay in the top four until the end of the season?
Well, hopefully. But it’s still a long way to go. We can’t really judge until around Christmas, when the league takes shape. If we get three points they will be up there. But I think we have to wait and ask this question again at Christmas.
With Philippe Coutinho’s injury, who do you think should be the playmaker?
[Steven] Gerrard and Suarez. Both are quality players. Stevie drops a bit deep but I think the playmaker will be Suarez.

Are you satisfied with the current team? Does Brendan Rodgers need to improve anything?
I’m always looking for improvement, but I think the team started very well. You just have to continue with what you do. Yes, there’s lots of things to improve until January [but] I think Brendan is quite happy with how things are going at the moment.

What do you think about the ‘SAS’ (Suarez and Sturridge) attacking duo?
They are a great partnership. Both are scoring goals and they will get even better. They are learning how to play off each other. I’m looking forward to seeing [if they can get even better] than that.

Is the current team strong enough to challenge for the Premier League title?
We have to be realistic. You’d like to say yes, but you don’t get too excited too early. I think we just wait until Christmas. That will
give us a realistic idea.

After seven matches, which team are the Reds’ strongest rivals?
Manchester United is the target. But I think [the league] could be wide open this year. Arsenal and Chelsea are looking good as well.

How long will it take the club to be as successful as they were in the ’80s?
A: You need to take one step at a time. If we can finish top four this year then we can look to improve the year after. In the next three or four years I think it will be realistic to challenge for the league.

In which match this season have Liverpool impressed you most?
I enjoyed the first game against Stoke City, a 1-0 win. We played very well in the first half. But in the last 10 minutes we were panicking and then Stoke got a penalty. Then [Reds’ keeper Simon] Mignolet saved the penalty and it was like scoring a goal. It’s great [to see] the first game of the season and get three points when you think you were going to get only one. I think it gives you confident to go forward.
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