Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, says he is ready for the challenge of stopping Manchester City dominating the Premier League.

Having overseen another campaign of improvement at Anfield, the German coach is sure repeated title processions at the Etihad can be prevented.

“I don’t fear the challenge,” said Klopp. “This year if City plays a normal season – which they didn’t do – then it would be close until the end. United is four points ahead, Tottenham is two points behind or whatever. It’s a real fight for all positions.

“I’m pretty sure they [City] will be strong again. It doesn’t make life easier but it’s not impossible to step a little bit higher.

“I have to say the job they have done in the last few years is outstanding. They brought together [a group of players at] a fantastic age. Kevin De Bruyne is in his mid-20s, Aguero still going, Sane, Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, very young. There’s still a lot to come. They will not stop refreshing the squad. But whatever they do, it will stay possible to beat them, that’s how it is.