'We must keep improving'
Jamie Carragher today reflected on Liverpool's excellent run of form and called for continued improvement next season as they aim to challenge for honours.
Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday has put the Old Trafford club on the brink of a 19th championship, moving them one ahead of the Reds.
However, with Liverpool's form since January that of genuine title contenders, Carragher is optimistic they can soon be back amongst the frontrunners for England's biggest prize - though he's adamant no-one at Anfield is about to start getting carried away.
He said: "Credit to them. They are a great team and a great club and they deserve their success, even if they are our rivals. But they go about their business, we go about ours and we need to improve - hopefully we will next season.
"We can't go blaming anyone else for the fact United look like they are going to win a 19th title.
"We've had a couple of chances since we last won it in 1990 but, for one reason or another, we haven't been able to take them.
"The biggest one was in 1997 when we got beaten by Coventry at home and United ended up going on to win it.
"Things are looking promising again and we have hit a great run of form. We played really well at Fulham and we are all happy, but you won't find anyone getting carried away.
"We've just got to make sure we finish the season well, as we want to play in Europe next season.
"There will be big expectations next season but that is always the way with Liverpool. It's certainly not something we are going to complain about."
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Liverpool secured their 18th title in 1990, at which time United had lifted the crown seven times.
Carragher admits it will be disappointing to see the Reds lose their long-standing record should Alex Ferguson's side wrap up the league this term - but he maintains nobody should be feeling sorry for themselves.
He added: "If we want that record back, we have to win leagues ourselves - we can't keep hoping other teams stop Manchester United winning it.
"We are not a club that wants to rely on others for help. Liverpool has never been that way and never will be.
"We don't want to be looking to Chelsea or Arsenal or anyone else to stop Man United winning the title.
"If we want to be seen as the most successful club in the country again, we've got to do it on our own, and the only way of us getting back on top is us winning titles, not trying to stop them.
"In that respect, losing the record is not something we are going to dwell on. We can't be feeling sorry for ourselves. Of course, it is disappointing and frustrating but the only way we can change it for the better is by looking after ourselves."