The big news: Klopp has revived Liverpool, says Fergie

Liverpool are serious Premier League title contenders this season, said former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Reds are third in the table, level on points with leaders Manchester City.

Ferguson told a German magazine that Jurgen Klopp had "revived Liverpool's enthusiasm" since taking over as manager in October 2015. He said, "For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity. You can now sense you truly have to count them in this year." In Klopp's first season, Liverpool finished eighth in the league, lost the League Cup final to Manchester City on penalties and were beaten by Sevilla in the Europa League final.

Ferguson also backed Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to do better and challenge Pep Guardiola at rivals Manchester City. "Guardiola's skills are beyond debate, [Antonio] Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola. He has won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries. The rivalry and the experience of Guardiola and Mourinho make for an exciting competition," Ferguson said.

Other top stories

  1. Barcelona have filed a report against La Liga President Javier Tebas to Spain's highest sports court after he questioned their players' conduct during a heated 3-2 win at Valencia. "The most serious thing is the thrown bottle, but some players acted in a way we don't like," Tebas said after the incident, also suggesting Barcelona players provoked Valencia fans.
  2. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged by the Football Association for taking a dig at referee Anthony Taylor, saying that it would be "difficult" for him to officiate their game with Liverpool. Managers are not supposed to speak about referees prior to matches. Taylor issued four yellow cards, all to Manchester United, in the 0-0 draw.
  3. Sunderland manager David Moyes has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after being sent off at Southampton on Wednesday. The FA said it is alleged "Moyes used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official". Moyes, who was appointed Black Cats boss in July and has managed only two points from nine league games, can respond till Tuesday.
  4. Lucas Pérez will be out of action for six weeks after the Arsenal forward damaged his ankle ligaments during the EFL Cup victory over Reading on Tuesday. He will miss the trip to Sunderland on Saturday, along with matches against Tottenham and Manchester United, and also the crucial Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
  5. Top spot will be at stake as NorthEast United FC and Atlético de Kolkata clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The Highlanders have 10 points from six matches, while ATK have nine from six games. A win can propell either side to overtake Mumbai City FC, who are on top with 11 points from seven matches.
  6. Delhi Dynamos were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Pune City in their ISL clash on Thursday. Jesus Tato scored the first goal of the match to give Pune the lead, before Milan Singh scored the equalizer for Delhi to salvage a draw.