Gary Mac: Changes give Reds opportunity
Managerial changes at rival clubs in the Barclays Premier League can help Liverpool's cause when the 2013-14 season gets underway, according to former Reds midfielder Gary McAllister.
Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United have each installed a new boss at the helm, while Brendan Rodgers enters his second campaign in the Liverpool dugout.
That element of consistency compared to other clubs has the potential to boost Rodgers and his team claims McAllister, who considers Champions League qualification within reach.
"With the goings-on at other clubs - the change at United, changes at Chelsea and Manchester City - there's got to be a chance to get back in amongst the Champions League," the Scot told LFC TV.
"I'm not saying Liverpool can win the league but I think, with the changes - a new manager takes time for everybody to settle in - Liverpool can sneak in and get back into the Champions League, which we've proven in the past you don't have to be the champions of England to win.
"You look where Liverpool finished last season and it's hard to forecast that they're going to jump from seven up to one. But in another two or three seasons it can be done - if the right sort of investment is made we can be back competing where we should be."
McAllister, who inspired the Reds during their dramatic treble-winning season of 2000-01, was speaking at the Steven Gerrard Foundation charity golf event in Portugal.
Asked how long the current Liverpool captain, who narrowly missed out on an ever-present Premier League campaign in 2012-13, can continue to perform at the highest level, McAllister was quick to respond.
He added: "It's entirely up to him. I saw quite a bit of Liverpool last year; taking away Luis Suarez, who I thought was outstanding, Stevie was right back up to as good form as he showed over his golden years. He'll be able to play easily for another couple or three seasons."
The club will honour Gerrard with a testimonial at Anfield on Saturday, with Olympiacos the visitors for the showpiece friendly; McAllister has not ruled out making a guest appearance himself.
"I'm open to offers! I played in Carra's. If he needs a baldy, old Scotsman to come on for 10 minutes I'm there," he revealed.
To mark the Liverpool captain's testimonial this weekend, the Steven Gerrard Foundation is auctioning 630 commemorative LFC shirts to raise money for charity. Click here to find out more.