Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has congratulated Manchester City on their deserved Premier League title triumph, but insists that he "does not fear" going toe to toe with the Citizens next season.
City were confirmed as top-flight champions last weekend less than 24 hours after beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Wembley Stadium, as rivals Manchester United fell to a shock loss at home to West Bromwich Albion.
Despite Pep Guardiola's men dominating in the league this season, potentially finishing with a record points tally, Klopp has questioned whether they can sustain that success over a number of years.
"Of course I don't fear the challenge. This year, if City plays a 'normal' season, which they didn't do, then it would be really close until the end because we are now all close together," he told reporters. "All the big six pretty much delivered this year, but City delivered the best. We will see.
"It is always possible that it is closer. But are they able to dominate? They don't have a limit, they don't have a limit to spending and all that stuff so I don't know. I do know it's difficult to deal with success as it is difficult to deal with other things in football but I'm pretty sure they will be strong again.
"It doesn't make life easier but it's not impossible to step a little bit higher. The job they have done in the last few years is outstanding. They brought together a team at a fantastic age - there is still a lot to come. Kevin De Bruyne is in his mid 20s.
"[Sergio] Aguero, still going. [Leroy] Sane, very young, [Raheem] Sterling, very young, Gabriel Jesus, very young. [Vincent] Kompany, experienced. They will not stop refreshing the squad, either - that's clear."
Liverpool are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Man City, whom they beat 5-1 on aggregate in the quarters.
Daniel Lewis
