John Barnes was an iconic member of the '80s Liverpool team that dominated English domestic football so completely. The Jamaica-born England international won the Football Writers' Player of the Year Award the last time the Reds took the title back to Anfield, in 1990, scoring 22 goals in the process.
Now he has urged everyone connected with the club to believe in the ability of Rafa Benitez's team to emulate the achievements of past Liverpool sides and win the league title.
"If you look at the top teams there is not much difference between them, when you look at the skill and ability and the players they that they have," Barnes, now manager of the Jamaican national team, told Setanta Sports.
"But that belief that Man United have had in the last ten years is what all teams want, and I think that Liverpool can do that this year.
"You have to believe in the squad, in the players, in the manager, and if he makes a decision, whatever the decision is you have to not just back him but have that belief."
Barnes also feels that it would be unwise for Benitez to bring in any new players this transfer window, believing, like many others, that it is rare to find value for money in January.
"January is not a good time to buy anybody," he continued.
"You are really only going to fritter money away without getting the quality because the players you want are already playing in the Champions League.
As for whether Liverpool can finally bring an end to almost two decades of waiting to win a league title, the former England international is optimistic, as long as the Reds maintain their professionalism.
"As long as you take every game and pay most importance to that game then you will be fine," he added.
"Look at Derby, they were fantastic against Man United, but look where they are in the league. Why can’t they play that way every week if they do it against United?
"Once you treat games differently and put more importance on some games that is when you can fall by the wayside.
"Liverpool need to approach every game in the same manner, with the same attitude and desire. They have got the quality – there is no reason why they can’t win the league."
Now he has urged everyone connected with the club to believe in the ability of Rafa Benitez's team to emulate the achievements of past Liverpool sides and win the league title.
"If you look at the top teams there is not much difference between them, when you look at the skill and ability and the players they that they have," Barnes, now manager of the Jamaican national team, told Setanta Sports.
"But that belief that Man United have had in the last ten years is what all teams want, and I think that Liverpool can do that this year.
"You have to believe in the squad, in the players, in the manager, and if he makes a decision, whatever the decision is you have to not just back him but have that belief."
Barnes also feels that it would be unwise for Benitez to bring in any new players this transfer window, believing, like many others, that it is rare to find value for money in January.
"January is not a good time to buy anybody," he continued.
"You are really only going to fritter money away without getting the quality because the players you want are already playing in the Champions League.
As for whether Liverpool can finally bring an end to almost two decades of waiting to win a league title, the former England international is optimistic, as long as the Reds maintain their professionalism.
"As long as you take every game and pay most importance to that game then you will be fine," he added.
"Look at Derby, they were fantastic against Man United, but look where they are in the league. Why can’t they play that way every week if they do it against United?
"Once you treat games differently and put more importance on some games that is when you can fall by the wayside.
"Liverpool need to approach every game in the same manner, with the same attitude and desire. They have got the quality – there is no reason why they can’t win the league."
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