A successive second place finish for Liverpool should not necessarily be considered a failure, according to former club defender Gary Gillespie.

The Scot, who spent eight seasons at Anfield, making 156 appearance, acknowledges that supporters are desperate for Jurgen Klopp to end almost three decades of hurt.

The 59- year-old was part of the last Liverpool team that won the league in 1990 and currently works for Liverpool FC TV.

He said: “The focus for many of the supporters is the Premiership. It is the holy grail and you can’t blame them, especially given how close the team came last season. I have read and seen on TV some fans who view anything less than the title as major disappointment. I understand such a view but not necessarily agree with it.

“It will not be easy to reach the same heights again. Yes, Manchester City and Liverpool have the strongest squads but Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal will all also be competitive. You cannot discount those teams and make it all about Liverpool and City. “I personally would like to see Liverpool have a good run in the domestic competitions. The last few seasons have not been very good on that front.”

Liverpool last held the FA Cup in 2006 and the League Cup in 2012.

The ex-Coventry and Celtic defender expressed surprise at the lack of new signings made by his former club to build on last season’s runners up position and winning the Champions League.

He added: “I personally would have liked some new faces as it refreshes the changing room but Jurgen is his own man. You don’t want to buy just for the sake of buying. There has to be purpose. Mind you it’s not easy to improve on what they have achieved.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a fully fit Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He has so much to offer and there will be a spotlight on Rhian Brewster but you have to be careful. He is young and you have to be realistic with expectations on youngsters.”