Source: SKY_Sports
Skrtel eyes Reds progress
Martin Skrtel is confident Liverpool can end their long wait for a Premier League title next season.
Manchester United clinched top spot with a draw against Arsenal last weekend but Rafa Benitez's Reds are set to finish second after one of their finest campaigns in recent years.
Skrtel admits it has been disappointing not to claim any silverware but he has been encouraged by Liverpool's improvement, particularly against the other top clubs.
"This season has not been the most successful one, but nor has it been bad," the Slovakian defender told SITA.
"We will most likely finish second but I am convinced we could have finished higher.
"Why? Because in the games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal we have not been beaten and the first two teams mentioned we have beaten both at home and away from home. If there was a table of the teams from the top four, I think we would have been in first place.
"Unfortunately, we dropped too many points against teams from the lower part of the table. We did not manage to win against teams which defended with nine or 10 men."
Skrtel believes Liverpool would have been closer to United had star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres remained fit for the entire season.
He explained: "Gerrard and Torres were injured during the season, and not just once. When two players of such quality are out, it is always a blow."
Liverpool have not won the league since 1990 but Skrtel insists this season's near-miss will help to drive the players on.
He said: "Each player, coach and fan would love to see their team just winning and being at the top of the table. That is not always possible, though.
"Of course, we are disappointed by not claiming the championship title, but to finish runners-up is also very nice.
"If we can bring the positive things into the next season, then I believe we will finally win the league.
"On the other hand, we must also work on removing the main drawbacks. Coach Benitez will surely think up something new, which will help us improve."
