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James Milner insists Liverpool have not given up hope of qualifying for the Champions League this season.

The Reds’ impressive 3-0 win over Manchester City on Wednesday night moved them to within six points of Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League table.

Liverpool’s own inconsistencies this season have left them playing catch-up on the sides above them, but Milner believes their performance against City should be the benchmark as they look to challenge their rivals.

Asked if he still held out hope of qualifying for the Champions League, he said: “If we keep playing like that there is no reason why not.

“We have a lot of games to go and a couple of big European games (against Manchester United). Hopefully we can get through that so we have a lot still to play for this season.

“We are disappointed the League Cup chance is gone, but hopefully that will drive us on and give the boys hunger. We were that close and we all want to win silverware, but it is important to finish the season strongly and take that momentum into next season.”

IN PICS: Liverpool demolish Manchester City at Anfield

Milner admitted that victory over City had not dimmed the pain of their Wembley defeat to the same opponents last weekend, but the level of performance impressed plenty. The frustrating thing, though, is that Liverpool have not been able to produce it on a more regular basis.

“It was probably the only way we could bounce back,” Milner said. “It doesn’t make anything right or take away the hurt from losing a cup final. That will be there for a long time.

“But I think the character the boys showed after Sunday, to put in a performance like that shows how much character and desire there is in the squad. The only disappointing thing is that we haven’t played like that enough this season.

“But one thing you can always say about the lads in the squad is that they give 100 per cent and the desire is always there.”

Asked why Liverpool have been so inconsistent, Milner added: “It is football I suppose. We have had injuries. It is not excuses, I am just trying to find why it might be.

“We have had a lot of games and I don’t know whether that comes into it and you cant find the tempo that you want all the time. But it is not like we are a team of 11, we have a good squad of players and a lot of quality.

“Everything is here for us to do well and I think that is why people get so frustrated when we don’t perform to the level, because we have shown what levels we can reach in that performance.”

WATCH: Klopp on beating Manchester City

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Liverpool’s energy and intensity against City was particularly eye-catching given their extra-time exertions at Wembley. Klopp arrived at Anfield in October with stories of “full-throttle football” following him from Germany, and here was evidence that his players are picking up on his wishes.

“He is energetic,” Milner said. “He gets his points across, he knows what we wants to say. He is different to other managers and I have worked under a lot of managers.

“That is good, it is not a bad thing. Every manager is always going to have his strengths and weaknesses. That energy he brings and that intensity is how he wants us to play football.

“He has come in and changed the style and it will take time to do it but we have shown at times this season we can do it and it is about consistency again.”