"I see Liverpool challenging for the title. When you are European champions it brings a confidence and a belief," said the Middlesbrough boss.
"They have got over what was a difficult and disjointed start to the season and they have an air about them - and a constant run of clean sheets.
"I have every respect for them. You get very little out of their back four and they are more than capable of offering a very real challenge for the title."
