Jurgen Klopp reveals pre-season Liverpool expectations and issues Man City title warning

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool are surpassing his expectations in the Premier League this season - but can understand the disappointment of supporters after the recent stumble in the title race.

The Reds were two points clear at the start of the month but went into the weekend down in third place, two points adrift of leaders Manchester City and behind Arsenal on goal difference.

They have endured a difficult April having wasted chances to win during a 2-2 draw at Manchester United, had their unbeaten home league record ended by Crystal Palace and been dumped out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage by Atalanta.

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Liverpool, though, were not considered genuine title contenders at the start of the campaign having finished fifth last term and subsequently undergoing an extensive midfield rebuild following the departures of skipper Jordan Henderson, vice-captain James Milner, number six Fabinho and both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

But the Reds, who won the League Cup in February, now need only eight points from their remaining six games to secure a top-four berth and a return to the Champions League.

And asked if it was a monumental achievement for Liverpool to be so close to the top at this stage of the season, Klopp - whose side are at Fulham on Sunday - said: "It is. Who would have thought that?

"I wouldn't have been angry at the start of the season if somebody had asked 'would it be a big success if you could qualify for the Champions League?'. I wouldn't have taken it immediately and (instead) said 'come on, let's give the season a chance, at