Sunday 11 May 2014 14:04, UK
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to concede the Premier League title to Manchester City ahead of the final day of the season, while also revealing he is close to signing a new contract.
The Northern Irishman went on to insist that even if the club finish as runners-up in the Premier League, they would have exceeded expectations. He added: "Firstly, I'd want to congratulate my players on the season. I think we've had a remarkable season, the players have put Liverpool on the world map again in terms of what we're looking to achieve here as a club. "The performance level has been exceptional over the season and come this Sunday we'll fight to the very end. "If we win the game and end up not winning the title I think to finish second to the richest team in the history of sport really shows the measure and the progress we've made here. "What is poignant is that you guys, the media, are talking about us for the title. It's a huge compliment to what we're doing here, to be considered for it. "I think for us this is only the beginning. I've been here two years and we've been progressing, this year we've made a step. "I see and hear about all the teams that are going to improve and I think we'll improve dramatically ourselves next season. "We've got young players who have been through a great experience which will only bode them well for the future. "And players like Steven Gerrard, at 33 years of age, this is his first example of this type of run-in. He will be better next year also. "So, for us, it's only just the beginning. We're really looking forward to finishing this season strongly. "Tick the box at the weekend, it'll be a tough game and then be prepared and really excited about next season."
