Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants the guard of honour his players give Chelsea on Sunday to spur them on to the title next time round, reports the Daily Star.
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Last season the Reds took the title race to the very last day, finally losing out to Manchester City. However, the departure of star player Luis Suarez and some poor recruiting in the summer has left them adrift of even the top four in this campaign. With three games to go they are four points behind fourth placed Manchester United and Champions League qualification.
Chelsea have run away with the division this time, already being crowned champions despite several matches being left. This has left the Merseyside have to embarrassingly hold a guard of honour for the Blues when they walk out at Anfield on Sunday. To make matters worse it also the 25th anniversary of when Liverpool last won the top flight, back when it was called the first division.
However, Rodgers thinks this could make the team realise what they’re missing out on, making them extra motivated to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
The Northern Irishman said: “It is [a humbling experience], but it is the protocol and what you do. They deserve to be champions. It’s not something the players would like to do but we are a team and a club that has class so we will do it and go straight into the game.
“It’s natural it would spur you on. I don’t need to say that. I think that is natural from the players and ultimately what you would like to happen.”